This graphic shows how the skills needed to produce high standard are progressively developed from step one through to progression step five. Use this when planning activities to ensure that progression in skills and the appropriate level of challenge are central to any task.
Embedded Files
🖨️
📐 Computer Aided Design (CAD)
📐 Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) involves using software to create 2D or 3D designs that can be developed into real-world products. In schools, CAD helps learners combine creative thinking with problem-solving, while exploring digital tools used by engineers, architects and designers.
3D printing adds an exciting dimension to CAD. Pupils can bring their designs to life by producing tangible prototypes, reinforcing the link between digital design and the physical world. This hands-on process encourages iteration, resilience, and real-world application - all central to the Curriculum for Wales and the four purposes.
⭐ START SIMPLE!
⭐ START SIMPLE!
Use block-based design apps to introduce basic shapes and drag-and-drop tools before progressing to more complex software.
⭐ THINK PURPOSEFULLY!
⭐ THINK PURPOSEFULLY!
Encourage pupils to design with a goal in mind - solving a problem or meeting a user's needs.
⭐ COLLABORATION!
⭐ COLLABORATION!
Group challenges promote discussion, feedback, and shared problem-solving.
⭐ DISPLAY AND CELEBRATE!
⭐ DISPLAY AND CELEBRATE!
Showcase 3D printed designs to build excitement and value for digital creativity.
⭐ LINK AREAS OF LEARNING!
⭐ LINK AREAS OF LEARNING!
CAD supports design and technology, mathematics, expressive arts, and science.
Suggestions 🔎
Suggestions 🔎
3D Slash
Autodesk Tinkercad
Minecraft Education
SketchUp for Schools
Autodesk Fusion360
Blocks CAD
Here are some applications and software that you can use to develop computer aided design skills. These are a small selection - there are MANY more available. It is essential that you select the applications and software that is suitably matched to the learner's stage and that each learner experiences a range of these applications as they apply and develop their digital skills.
PS1 - Early exploration
PS1 - Early exploration
What does good look like?
What does good look like?
Learners begin to understand how basic shapes can be combined to create simple digital designs. At this stage, success is seen in their confidence using intuitive apps to build and manipulate visual elements, such as constructing simple models of houses, cars, or neighbourhoods or buildings/objects that are familiar to the learner.
How about...
How about...
Creating a class mural of a local community using simple shape software?
Introducing design challenges with playful constraints (e.g. “design a rocket using only three shapes”).
Asking pupils to explain their design choices using oracy skills.
⭐ Skills ⭐
⭐ Skills ⭐
Navigation
Navigation
Explore the 3D workspace by zooming, rotating the view, and panning the screen.
Shape Selection
Shape Selection
Pick basic shapes (cube, cylinder, sphere) from the shape menu and place them on the workplane.
Basic Movement
Basic Movement
Click and drag shapes to move them around on the workplane.
Stacking Shapes
Stacking Shapes
Place one shape on top of another by moving it upwards (using the black vertical arrow).
Simple Colouring
Simple Colouring
Change the colour of shapes to make them visually different or playful.
Exploring Pre-Made Models
Exploring Pre-Made Models
Open and look at simple pre-made projects or shapes to see what others have made.
PS2 - Purposeful Modelling
PS2 - Purposeful Modelling
What does good look like?
What does good look like?
Learners move on to creating more complex 2D or 3D designs, often with a specific function or audience in mind. They begin to use software to plan solutions such as designing playground equipment or bridges and may explore basic 3D modelling for printing.
How about...
How about...
Planning a model village or playground using 2D CAD software
Designing a themed item (e.g. a castle tower, playground slide) to be printed on a 3D printer
Building in opportunities to reflect on which design features worked best
⭐ Skills ⭐
⭐ Skills ⭐
Planning
Planning
Create a design plan for the creation of computer aided design content.
Evaluate
Evaluate
Review their creation and analyse against the provided success criteria.
Export
Export
With support, learners export their designs for 3D printing.
Resizing Shapes
Resizing Shapes
Use the corner handles to scale shapes larger or smaller.
Rotating Shapes
Rotating Shapes
Use the rotation arrows to spin shapes along one axis.
Grouping Shapes
Grouping Shapes
Combine two or more shapes into one object using the “Group” tool.
Using Holes
Using Holes
Turn shapes into holes and cut out sections from other shapes.
Using the Workplane Tool
Using the Workplane Tool
Add shapes to new surfaces by changing the workplane.
Basic Measuring
Basic Measuring
Use the ruler or grid to check the size of shapes.
PS3 - Design for purpose
PS3 - Design for purpose
What does good look like?
What does good look like?
Learners confidently create CAD models that address real-world challenges. They consider function, efficiency, and sustainability in their designs. They test and refine their ideas through iterative processes, using feedback and evaluation to improve outcomes.
How about...
How about...
Designing a product to reduce plastic waste (e.g. a reusable straw holder)
Creating a promotional item that reflects a campaign or brand
Using peer feedback to refine a CAD model before 3D printing
⭐ Skills ⭐
⭐ Skills ⭐
Planning
Planning
Design a product for specific user needs and real-world problems.
Evaluate and improve
Evaluate and improve
Use own opinions and those of a wider audience to identify positive outcomes and potential improvements.
Export
Export
Export .stl files to prepare models for 3D printing.
Duplicating and Repeating
Duplicating and Repeating
Use the duplicate and repeat tools to quickly create multiple identical shapes.
Creating Symmetry
Creating Symmetry
Use the mirror tool to make symmetrical designs.
Combining Text
Combining Text
Add and edit text shapes as part of designs.
Nested Grouping
Nested Grouping
Manage complex designs by creating grouped elements within groups.
Adjusting Grid Settings
Adjusting Grid Settings
Change snap grid sizes for more precise control.
PS4 - Precision and Real-World Application
PS4 - Precision and Real-World Application
What does good look like?
What does good look like?
Learners confidently create CAD models that address real-world challenges. They consider function, aesthetics, sustainability and 3D printer capabilities in their designs. They draw to scale ensuring items are the correct size needed ready to be printed. They test and refine their ideas through iterative processes both on and/or off screen, using feedback and evaluation to improve outcomes.
How about...
How about...
Designing a product to solve a real world problem (e.g. a a part or component for a machine or tool)
Creating a prototype to a given scale to demonstrate a solution
Using feedback to refine a CAD model before 3D printing taking account of printer limitations
⭐ Skills ⭐
⭐ Skills ⭐
Planning
Planning
Break down the design task into clear steps, sketching or outlining ideas before beginning the CAD model to ensure clarity and purpose.
Evaluate and improve
Evaluate and improve
Critically review designs using checklists or peer feedback, identifying areas for refinement, and applying changes to improve function, fit, or aesthetics
Exporting
Exporting
Prepare models for 3D printing by exporting in the correct file format (e.g., .stl), checking file integrity, and ensuring the design matches printer specifications.
Numeric Input Sizing
Numeric Input Sizing
Enter exact measurements into fields instead of dragging to resize.
Advanced Alignment
Advanced Alignment
Align objects perfectly along multiple axes using the align tool.
Simulated Assembly
Simulated Assembly
Design multiple components that fit or work together as parts.
Material Representation
Material Representation
Use colour coding to represent different materials or functions in parts.
Checking for Printability
Checking for Printability
Review designs for 3D printer constraints, such as overhangs and support needs.
Iterative Refinement
Iterative Refinement
Make design changes based on peer or teacher feedback.
PS5 - Professional and innovative design
PS5 - Professional and innovative design
What does good look like?
What does good look like?
Learners confidently select from a range of CAD tools to meet user needs, solve real-world problems, and present professional-standard outcomes. They integrate digital design skills with user feedback, prototyping, and material awareness. They show increasing independence and a strong understanding of the design process—from research to refinement.
How about...
How about...
Designing a product for a specific market or target audience (e.g. a phone holder for wheelchair users, or modular storage for small bedrooms)
Creating CAD models linked to enterprise projects or sustainability campaigns.
Prototyping ideas using 3D printers, then evaluating functionality through real-user testing.
⭐ Skills ⭐
⭐ Skills ⭐
Planning
Planning
Conduct detailed planning, including user research, design requirements, and constraint analysis, to ensure the CAD project addresses real-world needs effectively.
Evaluate and improve
Evaluate and improve
Use structured evaluation methods (such as user testing, surveys, or detailed feedback) to guide multiple rounds of design refinement and optimisation.
Exporting
Exporting
Export models and supporting materials (including exploded views, technical diagrams, or animated walkthroughs) in professional formats to communicate design intent to external stakeholders or clients.
Importing External Files
Importing External Files
Bring in .svg or .stl files from other software or repositories.
Documenting Design Choices
Documenting Design Choices
Use notes or labels to explain decisions and guide viewers through the design.
Exploded View Creation
Exploded View Creation
Separate components to create exploded views for clearer presentation.
Optimising Material Use
Optimising Material Use
Adjust wall thickness, hollow interiors, and design efficiency for cost-effective printing.
Circuit Integration (if relevant)
Circuit Integration (if relevant)
Combine CAD models with simple electronic components in Tinkercad’s circuit mode.
Professional Presentation
Professional Presentation
Export polished visuals (screenshots, digital walkthroughs) for stakeholder or client sharing.
Created in partnership with...
Created in partnership with...
Hengoed Primary School
Hengoed Primary School
Lewis Girls School
Lewis Girls School
Page updated
Report abuse