Last updated: 25 Oct 2007

Inventing practical solutions

Design and technology is about inventing practical solutions to problems through imaginative thinking. Learners use a range of tools, materials, skills and techniques to explore, design and make products and systems that meet human needs. Working in stimulating contexts they engage in a continuous course of personal development, learning to use today's technologies so they can participate in developing tomorrow's.

From ages 5 to 14, design and technology is compulsory. Students then choose whether or not to pursue it at GCSE, AS or A level. At GCSE students pick one of the following focus areas: resistant materials, food, textiles, systems and control, graphic products, electronic products or product design. At A level and AS level students can specialise in product design, food or systems and control.

Design and technology is not assessed through national curriculum tests. However, all schools are required to report pupils' attainment levels to parents at the end of year 9.