Design and technology: Framework and training materials

Foreword

Design and technology prepares pupils to think and intervene creatively to improve the quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problemsolvers, as individuals and as members of a team.

The processes which are central to design and technology require pupils to integrate knowledge, skills and understanding whilst working with materials in order to design and make solutions to needs, wants and opportunities. It is the combination of, and movement between, thought and action that helps to make the subject distinctive in the curriculum.

This Framework for teaching design and technology supports the principles of teaching and learning drawn from the Key Stage 3 National Strategy. It underscores the vital importance of developing all pupils' capability to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies.

Evidence from a variety of sources tells us that pupils in KS3 make better progress in their making skills than in their designing. The Framework will help teachers to refocus their attention on the teaching of designing skills, developing creative thinking skills and encouraging autonomy.

A particular intention of the Framework is to enable pupils to build a sense of ownership of their own learning; of their progress through Key Stage 3; of the purposes behind their designing and making; and of their future directions.

The Framework draws upon best practice in the schools taking part in the pilot programme and teachers have made an important contribution to the Framework and training materials. I hope teachers of D&T will find the Framework a valuable resource in motivating all pupils to be enthusiastic learners of design and technology.

DAVID MILIBAND MP
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SCHOOL STANDARDS
December 2004