There are two pathways available within Design and Technology:

1. Product Design
2. Food Technology

What is Design and Technology in the school curriculum?

‘Design and Technology is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is hugely exciting: it is an inventive, fun activity.’ (James Dyson) This quotation from the Chairman of Dyson Ltd., which can be found in the pupil National Curriculum, reflects key aims of the well-established Design and Technology PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University, which are: to prepare new Design and Technology teachers for the profession who will inspire their pupils to be creative and inventive, and to have fun while producing things which are both stylish and practical and which will contribute to the quality of life of those who use them.

The practical Design and Technology curriculum in schools is underpinned by some core processes: pupils learn to develop, plan and communicate ideas; to work with tools, equipment, materials and components to produce quality products; and to evaluate processes and products. Alongside this creative work, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of materials, components, systems and control and structures. The Secondary PGCE will prepare teachers to engage pupils with all these processes, understandings and skills.

What technologies does the PGCE engage with?

Pupils can explore the Design and Technology curriculum through a number of different technologies. The PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University will place work with resistant and compliant materials in pathway one or food technology in pathway two at its core, but there will be opportunities for student teachers to work in systems and control, food technology, graphics and textiles.

The University campus at Canterbury has a multi-media workshop, a food technology facility and works with some of the most successful Design and Technology departments in Kent to provide student teachers with access to cutting edge teaching, learning and resources across a range of technologies.

How will student teachers work on the course?

Subject Studies in Design and Technology involves working in two areas: practical workshops, and lectures and seminars, which will enable you to relate your expertise and experience to the needs of young people, schools and public examinations. This will be achieved by developing an understanding of Design and Technology education in schools, developing an expertise to operate effectively in this area of study and the development of your teaching of the subject.

The practical workshops and the lecture and seminar programmes will address Design and Technology issues in the National Curriculum, as well as the structuring and organisation of teaching and learning in the classroom and workshop. Our strong partnerships with schools will enable you to become effective in planning, organising, delivering and reflecting on the teaching, learning and assessment of National Curriculum Design and Technology. You will be encouraged to engage in practical design and to participate in projects which will develop your skills and effectiveness in working in Design and Technology. Skill and technique workshops will introduce you to areas outside your established expertise.

How to Apply

Applications for the full-time PGCE 7-14 and 11-18 are made electronically via the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) www.gttr.ac.uk

There is no general closing date, but each programme or subject pathway is closed when it becomes fully subscribed. Early application is strongly advised, both because some subject programmes fill quickly, and because it will help you to plan for your PGCE course if you can get early confirmation of a place.

> Back to 7-14 and 11-18

> Faculty of Education website