Design and Technology MESHGuide

Design and technology is a subject taught in compulsory education in many countries. Originating in England in 1991 as part of the, then new, national curriculum it was an amalgamation of different subjects [see cell 1.1].

 

This MESH guide is for teachers who have been, will be or hope to be teachers of Design and Technology. Before going further, we want to clarify what we mean by this subject “Design and Technology” as it is labelled different ways in different countries.

 

In England, the subject is called Design and Technology, whereas in other countries the content is similar, but the name varies. For example, in Scotland it is Technologies, in South Africa it is Technology with Consumer Studies as a separate subject and in Taiwan it is the Living Technology course. This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of names, which is why, over time, this guide will have international sections so readers can compare the curriculum and nature of the subject from different parts of the world. Although the names may differ and some of the content, the essence of the subjects is that pupils/ children design, make and evaluate a range of technological products and systems using a variety of media (card, pencils, computers for example) and materials (textiles, electronics, wood and so on).