Criterion A: Inquiring and analyzing Year 1

Maximum: 8
At the end of year 1, students should be able to:
i. explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem
ii. state and prioritize the main points of research needed to develop a solution to the problem
iii. describe the main features of one existing product that inspires a solution to the problem
iv. present the main findings of relevant research.

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. states the need for a solution to a problem
ii. states the findings of research.

3–4 The student:

i. outlines the need for a solution to a problem
ii. states some points of research needed to
develop a solution, with some guidance
iii. states the main features of an existing
product that inspires a solution to the problem
iv. outlines some of the main findings of
research.

5–6 The student:

i. explains the need for a solution to a problem
ii. states and prioritizes the main points of
research needed to develop a solution to the
problem, with some guidance
iii. outlines the main features of an existing
product that inspires a solution to the problem
iv. outlines the main findings of relevant
research.

7–8 The student:

i. explains and justifies the need for a
solution to a problem
ii. states and prioritizes the main points of
research needed to develop a solution to the
problem, with minimal guidance
iii. describes the main features of an existing
product that inspires a solution to the problem
iv. presents the main findings of relevant
research.
Criterion B: Developing ideas Year 1
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 1, students should be able to:
i. develop a list of success criteria for the solution
ii. present feasible design ideas, which can be correctly interpreted by others
iii. present the chosen design
iv. create a planning drawing/diagram which outlines the main details for making the chosen
solution.
Level Level descriptor Clarification
0 The student does not reach a standard described
by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. states one basic success criterion for a solution
ii. presents one design idea, which can be
interpreted by others
iii. creates an incomplete planning
drawing/diagram.
3–4 The student:
i. states a few success criteria for the solution
ii. presents more than one design idea, using an
appropriate medium(s) or labels key features, which
can be interpreted by others
iii. states the key features of the chosen design
iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram or lists
requirements for the creation of the chosen
solution.
5–6 The student:
i. develops a few success criteria for the solution
ii. presents a few feasible design ideas, using an
appropriate medium(s) and labels key features,
which can be interpreted by others
iii. presents the chosen design stating the key
features
iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram and lists
the main details for the creation of the chosen
solution.
7–8 The student:
i. develops a list of success criteria for the
solution
ii. presents feasible design ideas, using an
appropriate medium(s) and outlines the key
features, which can be correctly interpreted by
others
iii. presents the chosen design describing the key
features
iv. creates a planning drawing/diagram, which
outlines the main details for making the chosen
solution.
Criterion C: Creating the solution Year 1
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 1, students should be able to:
i. outline a plan, which considers the use of resources and time, sufficient for peers to be able to follow
to create the solution
ii. demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
iii. follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended
iv. list the changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution
v. present the solution as a whole.
Level Level descriptor Clarification
0 The student does not reach a standard described
by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. demonstrates minimal technical skills when
making the solution
ii. creates the solution, which functions poorly
and is presented in an incomplete form.
3–4 The student:
i. lists the main steps in a plan that contains some
details, resulting in peers having difficulty
following the plan to create the solution
ii. demonstrates satisfactory technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which partially
functions and is adequately presented
iv. states one change made to the chosen design
or plan when making the solution.
5–6 The student:
i. lists the steps in a plan, which considers time
and resources, resulting in peers being able to
follow the plan to create the solution
ii. demonstrates competent technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which functions as
intended and is presented appropriately
iv. states one change made to the chosen design
and plan when making the solution.
7–8 The student:
i. outlines a plan, which considers the use of
resources and time, sufficient for peers to be able
to follow to create the solution
ii. demonstrates excellent technical skills
when making the solution
iii. follows the plan to create the solution, which
functions as intended and is presented
appropriately
iv. lists the changes made to the chosen design
and plan when making the solution.
Criterion D: Evaluating Year 1
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 1, students should be able to:
i. outline simple, relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. outline the success of the solution against the design specification
iii. outline how the solution could be improved
iv. outline the impact of the solution on the client/target audience.
Level Level descriptor Clarification
0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. defines a testing method, which is used to
measure the success of the solution
ii. states the success of the solution.
3–4 The student:
i. defines a relevant testing method, which
generates data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. states the success of the solution against the
design specification based on the results of one
relevant test
iii. states one way in which the solution could
be improved
iv. states one way in which the solution can
impact the client/target audience.
5–6 The student:
i. defines relevant testing methods, which
generate data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. states the success of the solution against the
design specification based on relevant product
testing
iii. outlines one way in which the solution
could be improved
iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience, with guidance.
7–8 The student:
i. outlines simple, relevant testing methods,
which generate data, to measure the success of
the solution
ii. outlines the success of the solution against
the design specification based on authentic
product testing
iii. outlines how the solution could be
improved
iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience.
Criterion A: Inquiring and analysing Year 3
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 3, students should be able to:
i. explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem
ii. construct a research plan, which states and prioritizes the primary and secondary research needed
to develop a solution to the problem
iii. analyse a group of similar products that inspire a solution to the problem
iv. develop a design brief, which presents the analysis of relevant research.
Level Level descriptor
0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. states the need for a solution to a problem
ii. states some of the main findings of
relevant research.
3–4 The student:
i. outlines the need for a solution to a
problem
ii. states the research needed to develop a
solution to the problem, with some
guidance
iii. outlines one existing product that
inspires a solution to the problem
iv. develops a basic design brief, which
outlines some of the findings of relevant
research.
5–6 The student:
i. explains the need for a solution to a
problem
ii. constructs a research plan, which states
and prioritizes the primary and secondary
research needed to develop a solution to the
problem, with some guidance
iii. describes a group of similar products that
inspire a solution to the problem
iv. develops a design brief, which outlines
the findings of relevant research.
7–8 The student:
i. explains and justifies the need for a
solution to a problem
ii. constructs a research plan, which states
and prioritizes the primary and secondary
research needed to develop a solution to the
problem independently
iii. analyses a group of similar products that
inspire a solution to the problem
iv. develops a design brief, which presents
the analysis of relevant research.
Criterion B: Developing ideas Year 3
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 3, students should be able to:
i. develop a design specification which outlines the success criteria for the design of a solution based
on the data collected
ii. present a range of feasible design ideas, which can be correctly interpreted by others
iii. present the chosen design and outline the reasons for its selection
iv. develop accurate planning drawings/diagrams and outline requirements for the creation of the
chosen solution.
Level Level descriptor Clarification
0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. lists a few basic success criteria for the design
of a solution
ii. presents one design idea, which can be
interpreted by others
iii. creates incomplete planning
drawings/diagrams.

3–4 The student:

i. constructs a list of the success criteria for the
design of a solution
ii. presents a few feasible design ideas, using
an appropriate medium(s) or explains key
features, which can be interpreted by others
iii. outlines the main reasons for choosing the
design with reference to the design specification
iv. creates planning drawings/diagrams or lists
requirements for the chosen solution.

5–6 The student:

i. develops design specifications, which
identify the success criteria for the design of a
solution
ii. presents a range of feasible design ideas,
using an appropriate medium(s) and explains
key features, which can be interpreted by others
iii. presents the chosen design and outlines
the main reasons for its selection with reference
to the design specification
iv. develops accurate planning
drawings/diagrams and lists requirements for
the creation of the chosen solution.

7–8 The student:

i. develops a design specification which
outlines the success criteria for the design of a
solution based on the data collected
ii. presents a range of feasible design ideas,
using an appropriate medium(s) and
annotation, which can be correctly interpreted
by others
iii. presents the chosen design and outlines
the reasons for its selection with reference to the
design specification
iv. develops accurate planning
drawings/diagrams and outlines requirements
for the creation of the chosen solution.
Criterion C: Creating the solution Year 3
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 3, students should be able to:
i. construct a logical plan, which outlines the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers to
be able to follow to create the solution
ii. demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
iii. follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended
iv. explain changes made to the chosen design and the plan when making the solution
v. present the solution as a whole.

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard described
by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. demonstrates minimal technical skills when
making the solution
ii. creates the solution, which functions poorly
and is presented in an incomplete form.
3–4 The student:
i. outlines each step in a plan that contains some
details, resulting in peers having difficulty following
the plan to create the solution
ii. demonstrates satisfactory technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which partially functions
and is adequately presented
iv. outlines changes made to the chosen design or
plan when making the solution.
5–6 The student:
i. constructs a plan, which considers time and
resources, sufficient for peers to be able to follow to
create the solution
ii. demonstrates competent technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which functions as
intended and is presented appropriately
iv. outlines changes made to the chosen design
and plan when making the solution.
7–8 The student:
i. constructs a logical plan, which outlines the
efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for
peers to be able to follow to create the solution
ii. demonstrates excellent technical skills when
making the solution
iii. follows the plan to create the solution, which
functions as intended and is presented
appropriately
iv. explains changes made to the chosen design
and plan when making the solution.
Criterion D: Evaluating Year 3
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 3, students should be able to:
i. describe detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate accurate data, to measure the
success of the solution
ii. explain the success of the solution against the design specification
iii. describe how the solution could be improved
iv. describe the impact of the solution on the client/target audience.

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. describes a testing method, which is used
to measure the success of the solution
ii. states the success of the solution.

3–4 The student:

i. describes a relevant testing method,
which generates data, to measure the success of
the solution
ii. outlines the success of the solution against
the design specification based on relevant
product testing
iii. lists the ways in which the solution could be
improved
iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience.

5–6 The student:

i. describes relevant testing methods, which
generate data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. describes the success of the solution against
the design specification based on relevant
product testing
iii. outlines how the solution could be
improved
iv. describes the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience, with guidance.
7–8 The student:
i. describes detailed and relevant testing
methods, which generate accurate data, to
measure the success of the solution
ii. explains the success of the solution against
the design specification based on authentic
product testing
iii. describes how the solution could be
improved
iv. describes the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience.
Criterion A: Inquiring and analysing Year 5
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 5, students should be able to:
i. explain and justify the need for a solution to a problem for a specified client/target audience
ii. identify and prioritize primary and secondary research needed to develop a solution to the problem
iii. analyse a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem
iv. develop a detailed design brief, which summarizes the analysis of relevant research.
Level Level descriptor Clarification
0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. states the need for a solution to a problem for
a specified client/target audience
ii. develops a basic design brief, which states
the findings of relevant research.
3–4 The student:
i. outlines the need for a solution to a problem
for a specified client/target audience
ii. outlines a research plan, which identifies
primary and secondary research needed to
develop a solution to the problem, with some
guidance
iii. analyses one existing product that inspires
a solution to the problem
iv. develops a design brief, which outlines the
analysis of relevant research.
5–6 The student:
i. explains the need for a solution to a problem
for a specified client/target audience
ii. constructs a research plan, which
identifies and prioritizes primary and
secondary research needed to develop a
solution to the problem, with some guidance
iii. analyses a range of existing products that
inspire a solution to the problem
iv. develops a design brief, which explains the
analysis of relevant research.
7-8 The student:
i. explains and justifies the need for a
solution to a problem for a client/ target
audience
ii. constructs a detailed research plan, which
identifies and prioritizes the primary and
secondary research needed to develop a
solution to the problem independently
iii. analyses a range of existing products that
inspire a solution to the problem in detail
iv. develops a detailed design brief, which
summarizes the analysis of relevant research.
Criterion B: Developing ideas Year 5
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 5, students should be able to:
i. develop design specifications, which clearly states the success criteria for the design of a solution
ii. develop a range of feasible design ideas, which can be correctly interpreted by others
iii. present the chosen design and justify its selection
iv. develop accurate and detailed planning

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. lists some basic design specifications
for the design of a solution
ii. presents one design, which can be
interpreted by others
iii. creates incomplete planning
drawings/diagrams.
3–4 The student:
i. lists some design specifications, which
relate to the success criteria for the design
of a solution
ii. presents a few feasible designs, using
an appropriate medium(s) or annotation,
which can be interpreted by others
iii. justifies the selection of the chosen
design with reference to the design
specification
iv. creates planning drawings/diagrams or
lists requirements for the creation of the
chosen solution.
5–6 The student:
i. develops design specifications, which
outline the success criteria for the design
of a solution
ii. develops a range of feasible design
ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and
annotation, which can be interpreted by
others
iii. presents the chosen design and
justifies its selection with reference to the
design specification
iv. develops accurate planning
drawings/diagrams and lists requirements
for the creation of the chosen solution.
7-8 The student:
i. develops detailed design
specifications, which explain the success
criteria for the design of a solution based on
the analysis of the research
ii. develops a range of feasible design
ideas, using an appropriate medium(s) and
detailed annotation, which can be
correctly interpreted by others
iii. presents the chosen design and
justifies fully and critically its selection
with detailed reference to the design
specification
iv. develops accurate and detailed
planning drawings/diagrams and outlines
requirements for the creation of the chosen
solution.\
Criterion C: Creating the solution Year 5
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 5, students should be able to:
i. construct a logical plan, which describes the efficient use of time and resources, sufficient for peers
to be able to follow to create the solution
ii. demonstrate excellent technical skills when making the solution
iii. follow the plan to create the solution, which functions as intended
iv. fully justify changes made to the chosen design and plan when making the solution
v. present the solution as a whole.

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard described
by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. demonstrates minimal technical skills when
making the solution
ii. creates the solution, which functions poorly
and is presented in an incomplete form.
3–4 The student:
i. constructs a plan that contains some
production details, resulting in peers having
difficulty following the plan
ii. demonstrates satisfactory technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which partially functions
and is adequately presented
iv. outlines changes made to the chosen design and
plan when making the solution.
5–6 The student:
i. constructs a logical plan, which considers time
and resources, sufficient for peers to be able to
follow to create the solution
ii. demonstrates competent technical skills
when making the solution
iii. creates the solution, which functions as
intended and is presented appropriately
iv. describes changes made to the chosen design
and plan when making the solution.
7–8 The student:
i. constructs a detailed and logical plan, which
describes the efficient use of time and resources,
sufficient for peers to be able to follow to create the
solution
ii. demonstrates excellent technical skills when
making the solution.
iii. follows the plan to create the solution, which
functions as intended and is presented
appropriately
iv. fully justifies changes made to the chosen
design and plan when making the solution.
Criterion D: Evaluating Year 5
Maximum: 8
At the end of year 5, students should be able to:
i. design detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. critically evaluate the success of the solution against the design specification
iii. explain how the solution could be improved
iv. explain the impact of the solution on the client/target audience.

Level Level descriptor Clarification

0 The student does not reach a standard
described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student:
i. designs a testing method, which is used to
measure the success of the solution
ii. states the success of the solution.

3–4 The student:

i. designs a relevant testing method, which
generates data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. outlines the success of the solution against
the design specification based on relevant
product testing
iii. outlines how the solution could be
improved
iv. outlines the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience.

5–6 The student:

i. designs relevant testing methods, which
generate data, to measure the success of the
solution
ii. explains the success of the solution against
the design specification based on relevant
product testing
iii. describes how the solution could be
improved
iv. explains the impact of the solution on the
client/target audience, with guidance.

7–8 The student:

i. designs detailed and relevant testing
methods, which generate data, to measure
the success of the solution
ii. critically evaluates the success of the
solution against the design specification based
on authentic product testing
iii. explains how the solution could be
improved
iv. explains the impact of the product on the
client/target audience.