KS3 Contexts: Connecting Education and Industry. Free to all Schools this year

Published 7th June 2023

We were the first country in the world to see the importance of design and technology education and make it a compulsory subject. At its height, D&T had over 430,000 GCSE entries, whereas in 2022 this dropped to just over 78,000 and continues to fall. Where we once led, the world has followed and looks to rapidly overtake with D&T and STEM education being given educational priority in many countries worldwide.

Alongside a decline of student entries, we also have a critical shortage of suitably qualified teachers, and schools nationally are dropping the subject entirely from their curriculum offer. As one part in a body of work to help reverse this trend, the Design & Technology Association are embarking on producing a set of key stage 3 resources and support materials to help transform design and technology in schools.

To enhance the teaching and learning experience in D&T, these contexts are being devised in collaboration with industry to ensure students are faced with real-world, meaningful and engaging design challenges. These contexts will offer a rich and diverse range of themes for students to explore, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.

By framing the learning experience within relevant and relatable contexts, students will be able to see the practical applications of their skills and knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject and industry processes.

The variety of contexts will ensure that students are exposed to a diverse range of issues requiring deep design thinking. For example, a context might revolve around sustainable design, prompting students to think about how they can create products that minimise environmental impact. Another context might focus on inclusive design, challenging students to develop solutions that cater to the needs of diverse user groups.

Email: info@designtechnology.org.uk to find out more.