D&T Association Blog

Posts by Andy Mitchell

Timetabling D&T

6th May 2020

 Andy Mitchell explores the importance of good timetabling for design and technology Importance and context Recent posts in social media have included requests made by Subject Leaders, asking for...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

Yes we’re good at designing and make stuff, but can you write about it?

16th December 2019

I certainly don’t consider myself to be good at writing but the other day I was embarrassed to be complimented on something I’d produced. I responded by saying that’s it’s less than one’s ability to w...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

Reinforcing gender stereotypes, or are we all just showing our ignorance with respect to design and technology education

10th June 2019

If there was ever an example of journalists, fabricating and fanning the flames of an education ‘story’, in pursuit of a salacious report, then this was it. It all started as parent (or someone repres...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

GCSE 2019-20 Contextual Challenges Published

3rd June 2019

Andy Mitchell reflects on the publication of the new GCSE Contextual Challenges that comprise 50% of the mark in the recently introduced Design and Technology GCSE. It’s been interesting to read th...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

5G is coming - is D&T ready? Are we connecting up our curriculum intelligently?

18th April 2019

Like the next person, I get excited by the potential for the use of future technology and its positive impact on both my own immediate and the wider world. No more so than when I read articles like th...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

What are you going to do with yourself next year?

22nd August 2016

Although I have spent about 26 years of my career teaching D&T at various educational stages, I’m currently not based in a school or other educational establishment.  Nevertheless, this time of ye...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

GCSE and GCE Design and Technology developments: where are we?

11th May 2015

There is no doubt about it, keeping up with the changes and possible implications for the future direction of design and technology (D&T) and related qualifications is challenging. The Awarding Or...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

3-D Printing Will Change the World. How will it change D&T?

26th November 2014

Updated Wednesday 26/11/2014 This 3D-printed art looks amazing NASA creates history by successfully 3D printing first object in space Updated Wednesday 31/10/2014 HP joins the world of 3D pr...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

Want a job? We need D&T teachers!

12th May 2014

The most important educational resource of all is a supply of dedicated, highly skilled, motivated and committed teachers. This is never more the case than when it comes to the teaching design and tec...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

So how are we going to assess it?

5th March 2014

Andy Mitchell highlights the concern being expressed by schools regarding assessment following the removal of levels. However you look at them, solar panels retro fitted to house pitched roofs don’t...

Written by: Andy Mitchell

Special measures

20th January 2014

Andy Mitchell reflects on a week when once again, we are reminded of further changes ahead for schools and particularly the preparation of teachers in the future and the view from Ofsted. Reflecting...

Written by: Andy Mitchell