Pre-2026 Mixed-age
Full curriculum coverage for mixed-age Design and technology, developing pupils’ skills and knowledge across key areas such as Mechanisms, Structures, Cooking and nutrition and Textiles in Key stage 1, with Mechanical systems, Electrical systems and the Digital world introduced in Key stage 2.
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Pre-2026 Mixed-age
Useful resources
How it works
The mixed-age units follow a Cycle A and Cycle B format, supporting progression of skills across the age range.
Units can be taught in any order within the year group as progression is built on knowledge from previous years rather than between units.
Year 1/2
Cycle A
Cycle B
Design and technology
Mechanisms: Making a moving storybook
(4 lessons)
Investigating how sliders create movement in products by experimenting with simple mechanisms and storybook design. Pupils plan and…
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Design and technology
Structures: Stable structures
(5 lessons)
Investigating stable shapes and using an understanding of balance to discover how wide or heavy bases improve stability…
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Design and technology
Textiles: Puppets
(4 lessons)
Recognising the different ways fabrics can be joined while developing skills in cutting, glueing, stapling and pinning. Pupils…
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New!
Design and technology
Mechanisms: Wheels and axles
(5 lessons)
Developing an understanding of how wheels, axles and axle holders work while practising cutting straight and curved shapes…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Smoothies
(6 lessons)
Examining and taste-testing different fruits and vegetables to identify and compare ingredients. Pupils select ingredients for a smoothie…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Balanced diet
(6 lessons)
Learning about the importance of a balanced diet and using that knowledge to create a tasty wrap, this…
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Design and technology
Mechanisms: Making a moving monster
(4 lessons)
Exploring pivot, lever and linkage mechanisms through designing a moving monster with mechanical parts. Pupils practise making linkages…
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Design and technology
Structures: Baby Bear’s chair
(4 lessons)
Exploring shapes and materials through designing and making a chair inspired by the story ‘Goldilocks and the Three…
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Design and technology
Textiles: Pouches
(4 lessons)
Developing basic sewing skills by learning how to create templates, cut fabric accurately and sew a running stitch.…
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Design and technology
Mechanisms: Fairground wheel
(5 lessons)
Investigating how rotating structures work by researching existing fairground wheels and considering how different components fit together. Pupils…
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Year 3/4
Cycle A
Cycle B
Design and technology
Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys
(5 lessons)
Investigating how compressed air can create movement within a mechanism and be used in a working pneumatic toy.…
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Design and technology
Digital world: Wearable technology
(6 lessons)
Developing an understanding of programmable products by designing, coding and promoting wearable technology for use in low-light conditions.…
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Design and technology
Electrical systems: Electric poster
(4 lessons)
Exploring information design and simple electrical systems by creating an electronic poster using a basic circuit. Pupils apply…
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Design and technology
Structures: Constructing a castle
(4 lessons)
Exploring the features and structure of castles through designing and making a model castle. Pupils use handmade nets…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Eating seasonally
(6 lessons)
Discovering where and when fruit and vegetables are grown by learning about seasonality in the UK. Pupils respond…
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Design and technology
Textiles: Cushions
(4 lessons)
Developing sewing and decorative textile skills using cross-stitch and appliqué techniques. Pupils apply their understanding to design, decorate…
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Design and technology
Mechanical systems: Mechanical cars
(5 lessons)
Exploring mechanical systems by building and testing prototype cars to identify effective design features. Pupils conduct market research,…
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Design and technology
Digital world: Mindful moments timer
(6 lessons)
Researching, designing and prototyping a Micro:bit timer. Pupils analyse existing products and apply programming and branding techniques to…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Adapting a recipe
(6 lessons)
Adapting a simple biscuit recipe for a chosen target audience. Pupils work collaboratively to select suitable ingredients, manage…
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Design and technology
Structure: Pavilions
(4 lessons)
Examining pavilion structures and learning how they are designed for strength, stability and purpose. Pupils explore construction techniques…
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Design and technology
Textiles: Fastenings
(4 lessons)
Designing and creating a book sleeve and exploring a range of fastening techniques. Pupils select the most suitable…
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Design and technology
Electrical systems: Torches
(4 lessons)
Applying scientific understanding of electrical circuits through designing and making a torch using recycled and reclaimed materials. Pupils…
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Year 5/6
Cycle A
Cycle B
Design and technology
Textiles: Stuffed toys
(4 lessons)
Developing textile and sewing skills by designing and making a stuffed toy using fabric and decorative techniques. Pupils…
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Design and technology
Electrical systems: Doodlers
(4 lessons)
Developing an understanding of series circuits by investigating how electrical products are constructed. Pupils explore existing motorised products…
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Design and technology
Structure: Bridges
(4 lessons)
Investigating different types of bridges and how structural strength is affected by shape and design. Pupils apply woodworking…
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Design and technology
Digital world: Monitoring devices
(4 lessons)
Exploring programmable technology and 3D design by creating a Micro:bit animal monitoring device that responds to temperature changes.…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Developing a recipe
(6 lessons)
Considering how recipes can be adapted to improve nutritional value by modifying a traditional Bolognese sauce. Pupils cook…
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Design and technology
Mechanical systems: Gears and pulleys
(5 lessons)
Investigating the history, mechanics and uses of gears and pulleys. Pupils build a gear-and-pulley mechanism before applying their…
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Design and technology
Textiles: Waistcoats
(4 lessons)
Selecting fabrics, using templates and joining materials to create a waistcoat for a chosen person or purpose. Pupils…
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Design and technology
Electrical systems: Steady hand game
(4 lessons)
Developing knowledge of electrical circuits by designing and creating a steady hand game with an operational buzzer system.…
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Design and technology
Structures: Playgrounds
(4 lessons)
Exploring playground design by creating a model that includes five pieces of apparatus made from three different structures.…
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Design and technology
Digital world: Navigating the world
(5 lessons)
Programming a navigation tool to produce a multifunctional device for trekkers. Pupils combine 3D virtual objects to form…
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Design and technology
Cooking and nutrition: Come dine with me
(6 lessons)
Developing food preparation and evaluation skills by researching and preparing a three-course meal. Pupils investigate the journey of…
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Design and technology
Mechanical systems: Automata toys
(4 lessons)
Applying woodworking skills by constructing an automaton with moving parts and mechanisms. Pupils measure and cut materials, assemble…
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