Structures

• to relate the way things work to their intended purpose  

• how to seek information from a wide range of sources on different structures and how they support things  

• how materials and components have been used  

• to record their evaluations using drawings with labels  

• how structures can fail when loaded, and techniques for reinforcing and strengthening them  

• to join and combine materials and components accurately in temporary and permanent ways  

• to explore, develop and communicate aspects of their design proposals by modelling their ideas in a variety of ways  

• to develop a clear idea of what has to be done, planning how to use materials, equipment and processes, and suggesting alternative methods of making if first attempts fail  

• to evaluate their products, identifying strengths and areas for development, and carrying out appropriate tests  

Structures (combined with textiles)

• that products are designed for a particular purpose and are suitable for different users  

• that a designer needs to consider appearance, function, cost and safety when designing products  

• that many different materials can be used on a product eg a slipper, some to stiffen, some to provide a hard-wearing surface and some for appearance

• that pattern/templates can be used many times and this ensures consistency in size  

• how to pin, sew and stitch materials together to create a product  

• that ideas for products can be developed by modelling with paper or scrap metal  

• to use a simple sewing machine (if available)  

• to develop a design specification  

• to communicate their ideas through drawings and modelling  

• how to plan the order of their work, choosing appropriate materials, tools and techniques  

• to construct products using permanent joining techniques  

• how to achieve a quality product  

• to evaluate products identifying strengths and areas for development and carrying out appropriate tests  

Electrical / Control

• how a vehicle moves using wheels and axles  

• to investigate and disassemble products in order to learn how they work and how they are made  

• to communicate through labelled drawings  

• that there are different sorts of switches

• to assemble components to make working models  

• how to control the speed and direction of movement using pulleys and/or gears  

• how electrical circuits with switches can be used to achieve functional results  

• to use tools safely and accurately  

• to generate and model ideas through discussion and drawing  

• to design and make as part of a team  

• to select appropriate tools, materials, components and techniques  

• to plan the main stages of making  

• to evaluate their work according to their design criteria and to suggest improvements 

Cooking and Nutrition