During key stage 2, pupils work on a range of designing and making activities, both on their own and as part of a team. They investigate how well familiar products and objects actually work, and the needs of the people who use them. They begin to identify what works well and what could be improved in their own and other people's designs and learn how to solve practical problems skilfully, creatively and with imagination.
For example, children might look at different kinds of wallets and purses, thinking about how they are used. They might also look at how Velcro, buttons and zips can be used to hold them together, and experiment on a range of fabrics to test how hard-wearing they are. Finally, they might make a money-holder for a particular purpose - for example, a money belt. They begin by creating a template or pattern, which they review after they have completed their work.
Children are taught to:
- look at products to see how they work and how they are used
- ask the views of people who use particular products
- practise practical tasks and skills, such as cutting, joining and fixing
- design and create their own products
- test their work
At the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11), most children are able to:
- find out how people use different kinds of products
- use this information to guide their own design ideas
- work out how existing products might be improved
- explain their design ideas
- put their ideas together in step-by-step plans
- select materials successfully
- pay attention when using finishing techniques
- understand how different kinds of properties can be used to improve designs
- work with a broad range of tools and equipment to develop ideas and improve products
- explore what is working well and how to improve their work
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