What the National Curriculum says: 

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. 

KS1:

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design:

 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, information and communication technology

Make:

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

Select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics.

Evaluate

Explore and evaluate a range of existing products

Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

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. 

 

KS2

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.