Technical knowledge

• build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable

• explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products.

Key stage 2

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment].  When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

• use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Make

• select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

• select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate

• investigate and analyse a range of existing products

• evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

• understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge

• apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

• understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]

• understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Cooking and Nutrition

Children should experience working with food and be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Developing a love of cooking and learning how to cook are essential and enjoyable skills that enable children to feed themselves and others affordably and healthily, now and in later life.

Key Stage 1

• Use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes

• Understand where food comes from

Key Stage 2

• Understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet

• Prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques.

• Understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.