Sir James Dyson - design and technology education is critical for all pupils
Tuesday, 05 January 2010
Sir James Dyson, the foremost British figure in industrial design and technology, has become the patron of the Design and Technology Association, the independent charitable organisation which supports, advises on and represents design and technology education across the UK, reinforcing the important work he already carries out promoting design engineering through the James Dyson Foundation.
Sir James is renowned not only for his own commercial success achieved through the design, development and manufacture of innovative new products but also for his staunch support for the importance of creativity in education to developing the technologically capable young people essential to the country’s economic success. As he explains: “I’ve always supported Design and Technology. It’s a subject that allows young people to learn with their hands and their brains. We’ll need these practical, problem-solving people to address the challenges that face us”.
Design and Technology is the most popular non-core subject selected by pupils at GCSE level. It is unrecognisable from the traditional subjects of woodwork, metalwork, home economics and needlework from which it has evolved over the past 25 years as technology has developed. The subject area now encompasses Product Design, Food Technology, Electronics, Engineering and Manufacturing. In Design and Technology students learn to design new products for specific purposes and users and to make them using a range of sophisticated techniques, materials and technologies including, for example, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM), laser cutters, 3D printers and dye-sublimation printing.
Design and Technology is also an important part of the primary curriculum. Pupils engage in designing and making their own unique products to detailed specifications, which range from bags to pop-up books to fairground rides incorporating electrical circuits and controlled by computer.
In all design and technology activities pupils and students use and develop their literacy, numeracy, scientific and artistic skills. They also, crucially, develop the creative thinking skills and practical and technological knowledge which will enable them to make a positive contribution to society and to go on to pursue the careers in design and engineering which are essential to our technological world.
As Richard Green, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, states: “We look forward to working with Sir James and his Foundation in building support for teachers, developing a design and technology curriculum that is modern, engaging, challenging and relevant to the lives of all pupils. With ongoing developments in primary, Key Stage 3 and 14-19 education, his commitment to the value of the subject and his advocacy of its importance in the education of all pupils will be a vital support in the Association’s work.”
ENDS
Further information
1. Sir James Dyson and the James Dyson Foundation. Visit http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.com/
2. The Design and Technology Association is the independent national subject association which provides professional support, resources and information for teachers, trainee teachers, technicians and consultants working in the field of D&T education. It is based in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire and has over 6,000 members. Visit www.data.org.uk
3. 2008/2009 GCSE Exam statistics – available at Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) website http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000880/index.shtml
Sir James is renowned not only for his own commercial success achieved through the design, development and manufacture of innovative new products but also for his staunch support for the importance of creativity in education to developing the technologically capable young people essential to the country’s economic success. As he explains: “I’ve always supported Design and Technology. It’s a subject that allows young people to learn with their hands and their brains. We’ll need these practical, problem-solving people to address the challenges that face us”.
Design and Technology is the most popular non-core subject selected by pupils at GCSE level. It is unrecognisable from the traditional subjects of woodwork, metalwork, home economics and needlework from which it has evolved over the past 25 years as technology has developed. The subject area now encompasses Product Design, Food Technology, Electronics, Engineering and Manufacturing. In Design and Technology students learn to design new products for specific purposes and users and to make them using a range of sophisticated techniques, materials and technologies including, for example, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM), laser cutters, 3D printers and dye-sublimation printing.
Design and Technology is also an important part of the primary curriculum. Pupils engage in designing and making their own unique products to detailed specifications, which range from bags to pop-up books to fairground rides incorporating electrical circuits and controlled by computer.
In all design and technology activities pupils and students use and develop their literacy, numeracy, scientific and artistic skills. They also, crucially, develop the creative thinking skills and practical and technological knowledge which will enable them to make a positive contribution to society and to go on to pursue the careers in design and engineering which are essential to our technological world.
As Richard Green, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, states: “We look forward to working with Sir James and his Foundation in building support for teachers, developing a design and technology curriculum that is modern, engaging, challenging and relevant to the lives of all pupils. With ongoing developments in primary, Key Stage 3 and 14-19 education, his commitment to the value of the subject and his advocacy of its importance in the education of all pupils will be a vital support in the Association’s work.”
ENDS
Further information
1. Sir James Dyson and the James Dyson Foundation. Visit http://www.jamesdysonfoundation.com/
2. The Design and Technology Association is the independent national subject association which provides professional support, resources and information for teachers, trainee teachers, technicians and consultants working in the field of D&T education. It is based in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire and has over 6,000 members. Visit www.data.org.uk
3. 2008/2009 GCSE Exam statistics – available at Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) website http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000880/index.shtml