The industrial designer, along with the D&T Association, argues that the proposed plans for D&T do not ‘challenge, inspire or equip talented young people to pursue careers in design, manufacturing, engineering, fashion or many other thriving sectors that Design and Technology learning has previously prepared students for’.
Dyson is concerned that the new curriculum includes cookery, construction and horticulture, rather than focusing on contextualising science and maths in a practical format.
In an article in The Times Dyson writes: ‘The new design and technology (D&T) curriculum ignores the importance of practical and academic excellence,’ insisting it needs more academic and technical rigour, challenge and modernity.
With the draft curriculum open for consultation until 16 April 2013, the D&T Association is encouraging members, partner organisations and supporters to express dissatisfaction over the proposed curriculum by contacting their local MPs, or by writing directly to Elizabeth Truss, the parliamentary under secretary of state for education.
