Design & Technology
The programme offers an exciting and developmental model of training to teach Design and Technology with an emphasis on developing trainees’ professional competence alongside ensuring a high level of knowledge, skills and understanding in the chosen specialist areas. This is also underpinned by a clear understanding of the philosophy of teaching Design and Technology across the specialist areas, and supported by work with young people in classrooms, workshops and other specialist rooms.
Trainees specialise in one aspect of Design & Technology to teach across the 11-16 range, initially identified during the recruitment process, selected from one of the areas below:
• Resistant Materials
• Electronics (Systems & Control, ECT)
• Food
• Textiles
A secondary area from the four above is also chosen to develop for KS3. Please visit www.data.org.uk for further information about Design & Technology subjects.
Candidates are required to bring a portfolio or sample of their design work to the interview, to demonstrate the quality of their practical skills and abilities. Health and safety certificates would be desirable but training can be provided during the course.
The subject specific course gives the opportunity to experience:
• Group workshops to enhance, acquire and apply subject knowledge and skills.
• Training for the National Curriculum: Design and Technology.
• Training on the National Secondary Strategy
• Training in assessment and standardisation, class management, and legal and contractual responsibilities.
• A Design and Technology workshop in a primary school (awareness of transition between Key Stages 2 and 3).
• Training and experience in a special educational school.
• Training in CAD/CAM.
• A 5 day subject knowledge booster course.
Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.
The programme is just the beginning of what we hope will be a process of continual professional development throughout a challenging and rewarding career.
