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This week’s episode is part of the Shaping D&T series, running from April to August 2024, where i interview a variety of people and discuss the current state and future of design and technology (D&T) education. This week it’s just me exploring the current   national curriculum for D&T in England, which has undergone several iterations, with the current version established in 2013-2014, making it the longest-standing iteration. The curriculum’s development involved expert review, led by Tim Oates, with a particular emphasis on aligning it with educational philosophies of figures like ED Hirsch and Daniel Willingham. However, the lack of a clear epistemology for D&T led to debates and criticisms, resulting in a revised curriculum that lacks external consultation. This has caused confusion and dissatisfaction within the D&T community.

The curriculum aims to develop students’ creative, technical, and practical expertise, preparing them for an increasingly technological world. However, concerns arise regarding the integration of cooking and nutrition, which was previously embedded in D&T but now exists as a separate entity, causing confusion and diluting the subject’s integrity. Despite flaws, the curriculum provides a foundation for teaching and learning, with opportunities for evolution rather than dramatic overhaul. Future episodes will explore various perspectives on the curriculum and propose potential changes to address its shortcomings.

Ciaran Ellis posted a thought-provoking question on LinkedIn recently: Do design decisions involve value judgements?

What do you think? Join the conversation over on LinkedIn and let us know what you think. 

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