Design Technology 11-16

The role of a design technology teacher is an exciting journey filled with opportunities to foster innovation and creativity. It’s about guiding students through the process of problem-solving, prototyping, and bringing ideas to life. As a design technology teacher, you have the privilege of equipping students with the skills and knowledge to tackle challenges and envision solutions, in a world where innovation and technology are increasingly important. Each lesson is a chance to take raw concepts into tangible designs, as students experiment with materials, techniques, and technologies across a broad range of media – whether with textiles, creating graphics, shaping resistant materials or in a kitchen. The joy of being a design technology teacher lies in seeing your students’ confidence soar as they realise their potential to shape the world around them and experience the joy of seeing their creations come to life.

Being a teacher of DT means you will support young people to: 

• develop a love of reading in young people;
• learn how to respond critically to a text;
• learn how to communicate ideas effectively – both creatively and analytically;
• reflect on shared human experience through literature.

What are the key concepts that underpin our approach to the teaching of DT?

• Concepts and Design briefs
• Sources and influences
• Design ideas and sketching techniques
• The importance of demonstrations and questioning to reinforce learning
• Understanding how to break down tasks, sequence them and pace a lesson
• Embedding practical skills – realising ideas
• How pupils learn to reflect and evaluate their work – recording their ideas and development

My subject specialist’s sessions were really inspiring. My specialist was very knowledgeable and equipped me with skills that I have used throughout my training, they always pursued opportunities for us to gain new knowledge and experience. The sessions and ongoing subject development were definitely a big part of helping me become a great teacher.

This course is built on an extensive research base in teaching DT and it is closely interwoven with our Central Curriculum Sessions as part of our overall Integrated Curriculum approach. Each year we review all aspects of our courses to ensure that they cover the most relevant components of the subject as well as introducing you to the most commonly taught ideas and concepts. Mentors and specialist teachers in our partnership schools also play a crucial role in reviewing the programme to ensure that it gives the very best preparation for becoming a great DT teacher.

Our carefully designed curriculum is structured so that you will have approximately one Subject Curriculum Session a week across the 2024-25 academic year. Alongside this, subject specificity is carefully woven throughout all aspects of the course, including the ongoing assessment process and the optional PGCE assignments, so that all content is relevant to you and your teaching. Subject Curriculum Sessions will develop on the ideas and theory raised in your general Central Curriculum Sessions so that you have expert guidance on how best to deliver strategies and techniques in your specific subject area. 

Our DT course prepares you to teach across the 11-16 age range, and you will be formally assessed in those key stages. In addition you will also have the opportunity to observe and teach KS5/ A level in at least one of your placements and your Subject Curriculum Sessions will include training that prepares you to teach KS5/ A level .

The links below will provide you with information about the curriculum and programmes of study for Key Stage 3 and 4 that schools are expected to deliver, these shape the content that your Subject Curriculum Sessions will cover, to ensure that you are able and confident to teach across the full range of topic areas included. 

• Design Technology KS3 National Curriculum
• Design Technology GCSE (KS4) subject content

As well as introducing you to a wealth of relevant books, articles and research papers from our own resources and library, you will also have funded access to DATA the leading voice for DT education.

Membership will be set up and arranged for you at the start of the course and your Subject Specialist will guide you on how best to use the resources, professional learning community and events to support your subject development and the lessons that you will prepare and deliver.