MP HOLDS DEBATE ON DT SKILLS
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Yesterday in Parliament John Pugh hosted a debate on the possibility of introducing Design and Technology skills to the Primary School curriculum. Currently Design and Technology is statutory from 5-14, and the danger is that it may become non-statutory in both primary and secondary. Dr. Pugh remarked:
"The big problem in British education is the under-performing, under-achieving, de-motivated young male. More of the same will stoke up major social problems for the future. Research shows that disengagement from the educational process starts young and frequently before the secondary school. This partly reflects the fact that the primary curriculum provides limited opportunity for those, often boys, who find it easier to learn in a hands on way through technology and design.
"Technology with British education is too often seen as an option for those who cannot hack academic subjects and seek a route away from them - often during the last years of formal education - instead of as a gateway to educational and academic development in the early years.
"The case for a design and technology SAT which does not impose artificial requirements on primary schools but celebrates their achievements in this area is a clear and arguable one.’
"Look into the background of government most ministers and not unexpectedly one finds careers built on book based formal education and not on the sort of experiences that made people like Steve Jobs or James May. If the Coalition is to take technology seriously it must begin with the Primary Curriculum."