Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing world of 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 creative innovators and engineers.
The most important quality that all student teachers on our course possess is a passion for design and sharing their creativity with young people. Many graduates who consider teaching Design Technology hold a second-class degree or higher in a Design Technology related subject; food and nutrition, product design, architecture, engineering, textiles, fashion or surface pattern design and systems and control, to name just a few.
If you have had a break from studying your specialist subject, have developed your subject knowledge within the workplace, or hold an A Level in a Design Technology subject but have an unrelated degree, then you may require a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the training programme. SKE courses require 25 hours per week of study and, due to the nature of SKE in Design and Technology, you may be required to attend a course outside of Cornwall for face-to-face support. The amount of SKE required will be determined at interview, and it is important to apply as early as possible in the application cycle if you are hoping to enrol on an SKE course in the event that you are offered, and accept, a place on the course.
Experience working with young people is always particularly beneficial, particularly experience in a UK comprehensive school observing and participating in Design Technology lessons. During early observations it may be useful to look out for how young people are engaged through questioning and how teachers encourage innovative design, through both subject knowledge and practical sessions. You will need a minimum of three days of school observation experience prior to interview and a minimum of ten days of school observation experience prior to starting the course. It is imperative that student teachers are flexible in their approach to Design Technology and consider observing all aspects of the design process.
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.
Please visit www.data.org.uk for further information about Design & Technology subjects.
Group workshops to enhance, acquire and apply subject knowledge and skills.
Training for the Curriculum in Design and Technology.
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.