Design & Technology

The weekly Design and Technology subject pathway sessions, held on Thursdays, underpin the exploration and deepening understanding of a wide range of pedagogical approaches. Here, planning is explored, investigated and understood, preparing the trainee for successful teaching across the Key Stages in a variety of settings. Due to the highly diverse and practical nature of the curriculum, trainee led ‘knowledge boosters’ are written into pathway sessions, with the intention of deepening the trainee’s understanding of the range of curriculum areas within Design and Technology. There is a clear emphasis on Health and Safety, and the trainees work towards their DATA accredited Health and safety certification over the year. This accreditation then stays with them for their first five years.

Trainees become strong subject specialists and learn to anticipate and plan for misconceptions and misunderstandings within the classroom.

Trainees work collaboratively in a supportive and safe environment, where they are encouraged to share ideas, reflect on practice, and learn from one another’s experiences. There are regular opportunities to engage in professional debate and rich conversations, helping trainees develop a confident, evidence-informed approach to teaching. Sessions also draw on current curriculum developments, national assessments, and the ITT Core Content Framework to ensure that trainees are well-prepared and reflective practitioners.

GITEP’s Design and Technology teacher training course requires you to specialise in teaching one of the following subjects up to A Level:

• Food
• Textiles
• Materials (Formerly Resistant Materials)
• Electronic and Communications Technology (formerly Systems and Control)

There is no single direct degree applicable to successful candidates who become trainee teachers in Design & Technology. Degree specialisms listed below are regarded as highly suitable, however, this is a guide only:

• Food nutrition, food products, catering
• Textiles with evidence of 3D work
• Architecture, product design, furniture design, 3D design
• Engineering, control systems, electronics
• Graphic design with evidence of 3D work

Some applicants hold a degree in a totally different subject.  If this is the case you will need to submit evidence that you are able to:

• Use personal skills to make products of quality in either food, textiles, resistant materials or systems and control
• Recognise the importance of design in our society
• Communicate through a variety of methods including sketching and ICT

Candidates should also display an awareness of educational issues and possess a desire to inspire, motivate and engage with young people about the possibilities open to them in studying Design and Technology.