Design and Technology

What does a designer and technologist look like by the end of Year 1?

Explore and investigate simple existing products and designs
Use a range of simple tools and materials safely
Design simple products by saying or drawing what they will make
Make simple products, choosing and using basic materials and components
Evaluate their own ideas and simple finished products, saying what they like and what they could change

What does a designer and technologist look like by the end of Year 2?

Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria
Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, ICT
Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks safely
Select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

What does a designer and technologist look like bythe end of Year 3?

Research existing products and use simple criteria to say what works well and what could be improved
Generate thoughtful design ideas based on what users want, and explain clearly what their product will look like and do
Use annotated sketches, diagrams and models to develop and communicate their design ideas
Select and use appropriate tools and equipment with increasing skill and safety to cut, shape and join materials
Choose materials and components based on their properties and how they look and feel
Evaluate their finished products against their original design ideas and suggest practical improvements

What does a designer and technologist look like by the end of Year 4?

Develop and communicate detailed design proposals using sketches, cross-sections, templates and, where appropriate, digital tools
Select and use a wider range of tools and equipment accurately and safely to perform practical tasks
Match materials and components to their intended use, considering function, durability and appearance
Build and explore simple mechanical systems such as levers, linkages and wheels
Investigate and use simple electrical circuits where relevant to their designs
Evaluate their own and others’ products, explaining how well they meet the design brief and suggesting improvements

What does a designer and technologist look like by the end of Year 5?

Understand the purpose of research and user-centred design
Have a greater appreciation of how design and technology shapes the world around them
Articulate what makes designs effective, sustainable and fit for purpose — locally and beyond
Understand what D&T actually is — not just making things, but solving real problems for real people
Use foundational knowledge of materials, mechanisms and systems to undertake meaningful design projects
Develop precision, independence and confidence in practical skills

What does a designer and technologist look like by the end of Year 6?

Have a greater appreciation of how design, technology and needs change over time — in Winnall and the wider world
Understand how design choices impact sustainability, including energy use, environmental impact and renewable materials
Know how social, environmental and economic factors drive design innovation and technological change
Know how physical and environmental factors influence design decisions — such as material choice, energy efficiency and sustainability
Be able to carry out purposeful design enquiries and projects, using skills developed throughout their time at Winnall
Talk about compelling learning experiences — including research, design development, making and evaluation — with enthusiasm