With the release of the new GCSE specifications for Design and Technology comes a new approach to assessment and a raising of the bar for subject knowledge. How can teachers best prepare students for this new D&T agenda? This one-day course will analyze the new GCSE criteria and explore the new GCSE specifications and their implications for planning and teaching at KS3-4.

This course provides teachers with the tools and practical experience to develop a forward-looking D&T curriculum at both KS3 and KS4.

COURSE OUTLINE

Part 1 - Introduction

A Five Year Course with a Team Approach

The assessment requirements

• The Written Paper
• The Contextual Challenge

Underpinning with Six Big Ideas

• The nature of DT
• Materials
• Manufacture
• Function
• Design
• Critique

Using Four Teaching Methods

• Making without designing
• Designing without Making
• Designing and Making
• Exploring Technology and Society

Activity 1

Developing a Scheme of Work

Part 2 - Enabling effective teaching

• Teacher Clarity
• Feedback
• Classroom Discussion
• Formative evaluation of Teaching

Activity 2

Devising team development activities

Part 3 - Teaching for examination success

• The Contextual Challenge
• The Written Paper

Activity 3

Devising support activities

Part 4 - Ensuring uptake at Key Stage 4

• Influencing key stakeholders

Activity 4

Preparing the essential ‘take back’ messages

This course is for: Teachers of DT at KS3/4, Heads of DT and curriculum leaders.

Presenter Profile

David Barlex is an acknowledged leader in design technology education, curriculum design and curriculum materials' development. He taught in comprehensive schools for 15 years before taking university positions in teacher education. He directed the Nuffield Design Technology Project and was Educational Manager for Young Foresight. He has worked in consultation with the DfE concerning the new National Curriculum for DT and the proposed DT GCSE. He shares a website with Torben Steeg on matters concerning design & technology education (http://dandtfordandt.wordpress.com/ )

Feedback from teachers on David’s course

A very thought-provoking day. I enjoyed the discussions – a new DT era is ahead!
Provided an excellent link to moral/ethical values in DT education.
Excellent informative presentation – ideas on assessment were excellent.
A very practical and relevant course with no shortage of ideas to take away.
I found this course excellent - I learnt a lot and I'm looking forward to implementing some of David's ideas.
David is very enthusiastic and I feel inspired to try many of his classroom strategies.
David is buzzing with ideas which don't take massive of time to implement - very useful course.

Cost: £165 per delegate which includes lunch and resources; £199 for 2 teachers from the same school