Design and Technology Education in Wales
Jason Davies and Alison Hardy
Introduction
Design and Technology (D&T) education in Wales is undergoing a significant transformation as part of a broader curriculum reform. The new curriculum aims to provide a more open, flexible, and authentic learning experience for students, with a focus on developing design thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. This summary will explore the key aspects of the Welsh D&T curriculum, including its content, target audience, and the role of teachers in its delivery.
What the curriculum involves
The Welsh D&T curriculum is designed to be adaptable to local contexts, allowing schools and teachers to tailor their teaching to the needs and interests of their students and communities. Design thinking is a central driver of the curriculum, with students encouraged to develop their creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills through a range of projects and activities. These provide opportunities for pupils to develop a wide range of experiences across D&T including engineering, product and fashion design.
One of the key features of the new curriculum is its emphasis on cross-disciplinary learning. D&T is situated within the Science and Technology Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE), which also includes Science and Computer Science.
Each subject has an identifiable Statement for What Matters. The D&T statement is:
Design thinking and engineering offer technical and creative ways to meet society's needs and wants. By applying their experiences, skills and knowledge, learners can design and shape innovative engineered solutions.
This approach aims to foster a more holistic understanding of the relationships between these subjects and encourage students to apply their knowledge and skills across different contexts and other AoLEs such as Expressive Arts.
At the secondary level, students can choose to specialise in D&T through a range of GCSE and A-level qualifications. These qualifications have recently been revised to align with the new curriculum, with a greater emphasis on practical skills and authentic problem-solving. The revised GCSEs continue to include endorsed routes in product design, engineering design and fashion and textiles. Additional GCSEs in Engineering and the Built Environment are also under development. The assessment structure has also been modified, with a 70% weighting for coursework and a 30% weighting for examinations at GCSE level.
Who it is taught to
D&T is taught to students throughout their primary and secondary education in Wales. In primary schools, D&T is delivered as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, with a focus on developing foundational skills and understanding. Students work through progression steps within the curriculum and engage in a range of practical activities and projects. These can be linked to other areas of the curriculum such as science, mathematics, and art.
In secondary schools, D&T becomes a specialist subject, with students able to choose from a range of qualifications and endorsed routes. The subject is designed to appeal to a wide range of students, with opportunities to engage in both academic and vocational learning. The emphasis on authentic problem-solving and real-world applications aims to make the subject relevant and engaging for students of all abilities and interests.
The teachers
D&T teachers in Wales play a crucial role in delivering the new curriculum and supporting students' learning and development. In primary schools, D&T is often taught by generalist teachers who may not have specialist training in the subject. This can present challenges in terms of ensuring that teachers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver the curriculum effectively.
In secondary schools, D&T is taught by specialist teachers who have undergone specific training in the subject. These teachers are responsible for designing and delivering engaging and challenging learning experiences that develop students' design thinking skills and practical abilities. They also play a key role in assessing students' progress and providing feedback to support their learning.
The new curriculum has brought about changes to the role of D&T teachers, with a greater emphasis on collaboration and cross-disciplinary working. Teachers are encouraged to work with colleagues from other subjects to develop authentic and meaningful learning experiences for students. They also have greater autonomy in terms of adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of their students and local communities.
Summary
The Welsh D&T curriculum is a dynamic and evolving framework that aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. With its emphasis on design thinking, practical skills, and authentic problem-solving, the curriculum seeks to develop students' creativity, critical thinking, and ability to innovate. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing schools and teachers to tailor their teaching to the needs and interests of their students and communities.
While the new curriculum presents challenges in terms of implementation and teacher training, it also offers exciting opportunities for students and teachers alike. By situating D&T within a broader context of science and technology, the curriculum aims to foster a more holistic and integrated approach to learning. Ultimately, the success of the Welsh D&T curriculum will depend on the expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication of the teachers who deliver it, and the engagement and motivation of the students who experience it.
References and further reading
Donaldson, G. (2015) Successful Futures: Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales. Cardiff: Crown.
Welsh Government, (2018) Learning about Progression. CAMAU Research Report: Science and Technology. Education Wales.
