During Key Stage 2, children engage in a range of designing and making projects. Children may work individually or as part of a team in doing so. They think about products are used for, the needs of the consumer and how it meets these.

Children at Key Stage 2 develop knowledge, skills and understanding in planning and communicating ideas. They decide on what their design needs to achieve, considering the needs of people who will use it. Children communicate their design ideas in different ways.

Children select appropriate tools and techniques for making their product. They are encouraged to think of alternative ways of making their product if their first try is not successful. At Key Stage 2, children measure, cut, shape and assemble materials and components accurately.

Evaluating their work and that of others is an important area that children engage with.

The breadth of study includes electrical and mechanical components, food, malleable materials and textiles. They have opportunities to investigate products then develop skills and techniques through focused tasks that contribute to producing a finished item.

The materials in this section provide ideas for designing and building projects that can be used to inspire a unit of work. There are several resources related to food that can be drawn on in providing children access to this aspect of the National Curriculum for Design Technology at Key Stage 2.