New Secondary Curriculum : 2008

The new National Curriculum in England is to be introduced in Key Stage 3 from September 2008. To support this a range of resources are being developed.

The QCA resources can be found at http://curriculum.qca.org.uk

Following the "subjects" link will take you to individual subject areas where the programmes of study can be found and information as to how design and technology links to the whole curriculum aims. Case studies including short videos covering various aspects of D&T and cross curricular links can also be viewed.

CLICK HERE for the new programme of study for KS3 design and technology.

New Secondary Curriculum Support website launched

The website developed by CfBT and subject associations including the Design and Technology Association went live on Friday 28th March. This site is designed to support subject leaders and teachers prepare and plan for introducing the new curriculum from September 2008. It contains introductory resources that can be used to help department decide the how to move forward. Additional illustrative materials will be added in due course. There are two sections:

1. The Resource Library gives access to videos, case studies, supporting materials and links. These have been developed with subject associations and schools.2. Curriculum Planning Wizard is designed to help plan what to do and how to work strategically with the schools senior leadership to enhance and develop curriculum planning. The Curriculum Planning Wizard takes teachers, step by step, through a series of activities and questions. The new secondary curriculum has been developed to increase flexibility for both teachers and pupils. With less prescription on subject content and the opportunity for teachers and subject leaders to tailor the curriculum to the needs of individual learners, there will be more time and space within the school day for pupils to study areas in more depth. It presents exciting opportunities for design and technology teachers to ensure that D&T remains at the heart of the curriculum. It also provides opportunity for D&T teachers to use their expertise in organizing and leading cross-curricular activity.

Accessing the site involves a simple registration process that provides the opportunity to sign up to enable additional information to be sent on in the future: www.newsecondarycurriculum.org

16 Wellesbourne House, Walton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwicks. CV35 9JB | Tel: 01789 470007 | email: info@data.org.uk

The Design and Technology Association is an independent charity (No 1062270)