At Key Stage 3, pupils develop practical skills and think creatively in order to design and make products that meet the need of target users.

In designing and making, pupils consider aesthetic, technical and economic concerns. They explore how products have been designed and made in the past and present. Key Stage 3 pupils develop their critical evaluation by analysing existing products to inform their own design ideas. This evaluation incorporates consideration of users, their needs and the context in which products are used.

At Key Stage 3, the curriculum includes resistant materials, systems and control. Pupils may access the area of food technology or textiles.

The study of resistant materials and textiles includes using a range of techniques, including handcraft and the use of ICT in design. In systems and control, pupils consider practical applications of mechanics, electronics and pneumatics. The study of food in Key Stage 3 includes developing practical skills, techniques and the use of equipment. Pupils learn to plan and cook meals or make a product. They consider safety, hygiene and healthy eating models.