NC Design and Technology Programmes of Study for England

Introduction

The UK National Curriculum for England is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. Other types of school like academies and private schools don’t have to follow the National Curriculum.

The UK National Curriculum requires that all children are taught Design and Technology at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 and, at Key Stage 4, it is one of a prescribed group of subjects from which schools must choose at least one. There are no formal curriculum assessments for Design and Technology (i.e. SATs) but, during Key Stage 4, most pupils work towards national qualifications - usually GCSEs.

Purpose of Study

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present Design and Technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality Design and Technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Aims

The national curriculum for Design and Technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Attainment targets

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant Programme of Study.

Subject Content

Details of what each child must be taught at each Key Stage (i.e. the Programmes of Study) can be found in the UK Government Statutory Guidance: National curriculum in England: design and technology programmes of study.