Maps Level Descriptors

To reflect progress at Key Stage 3 Level -4, 4, +4 Design Technology.

Level -4
(He/She)

Designing
Can generate labelled sketches and ideas that are based upon research. Should show more care when selecting research materials.
Only collects and uses limited research. Must collect different types of research materials.
Is aware of a variety of constraints when designing but only through discussion with teacher. Needs to identify constraints without support.
Creates models that are made from a greater variety of materials and techniques. The finish of these models could be improved.
Suggests what improvements could be made to their work. Needs to explain in more detail what improvements could be made.

Making
Can produce step by step plans showing order of construction with some support. Must attempt to produce plans with less support.
Uses only a limited variety of materials and components. Needs to use a greater variety of materials.
Does pay attention to quality of finish and how the product looks. Must attempt to use techniques that ensure that the finish of their work remains undamaged.
Has some understanding how their products will work. Should examine how other products function.

Level 4
(He/She)

Designing
Can generate labelled sketches that are based upon carefully selected research. Should consider the suitability of the research materials with regards to the project.
Collects and uses a variety of research. Needs to use a wider source of research materials.
Take users views into account. Needs to take a greater variety of users views into account.
Is aware of constraints without very little prompting from teacher. Needs to independently list constraints.
Produces models that have an acceptable surface finish. The models need to be slightly more complex.
Uses a variety of terms when labelling sketches. Needs to show a greater knowledge of the names of processes and equipment.
Identifies what is working well and what could be improved. Should ask for and record the opinions of others.

Making
Can produce step by step plans showing order of construction with very little support. All of the plans need to be their own.
Uses a range of materials and components. Needs to justify choice of materials and components.
Uses techniques that ensure that the finish of their work remains undamaged. Must consistently use these techniques without prompting.
Understands how some other simple products function. Needs to examine more complicated products.

Level 4+
(He/She)

Designing

Considers the suitability of the research materials with regards to the project. .
Generally collects a range of research information. Needs to attempt to collect some primary research materials as well as secondary.
Does take a range of users views into account. Needs to consider how these views need to be recorded and presented.
Can independently list some of the constraints of the project. Needs to make more extensive lists.
Produces models that are not only well finished but are also becoming more complex. Should produce more 3D and computer-generated models.
Identifies what is working well, what could be improved and asks for and records the opinions of others. Should test and evaluate more thoroughly in order to suggest improvements.

Making
Can produce step by step plans showing order of construction. Must attempt to add times and dates to the plans.
Uses a variety of materials and components. Can justify their choice. Needs to gain more precision with materials and components.
Consistently uses techniques to guarantee a quality finish without prompting. Needs to use similar techniques to guarantee accuracy of construction techniques.
Understands how some complicated products function. Needs to demonstrate their knowledge.