Introduction
At Dorothy Stringer we recognise that Design and Technology impacts upon, and is influenced by the political, economic, physical world we live in. These influences create the climate in which some outcomes are seen as more desirable than others. As a consequence what is possible need not be desired or indeed be seen as being desirable by all. Therefore if one accepts the notion that Design and Technology is at the cutting edge of social conscience where the concepts of ‘need’ and ‘improvement’ are far from clear and are often contentious, then Design and Technology must unavoidably and continually be concerned with conflicting human values.
Tosia Smith | Head of Design Technology and Art
The Design Technology Department at Dorothy Stringer enables pupils to acquire a general knowledge of the role of technology in contemporary society.
The area of the school curriculum defined as Design Technology education prepares pupils to effectively engage with and exploit the rapidly changing technologies of tomorrow. It exemplifies the identification and solution of problems through the appropriate use of materials where pupils learn to:
- think,
- intervene creatively,
- become autonomous,
- solve problems individually and as part of teams,
- be discriminating,
- be innovative, and able to identify needs, wants and opportunities,
- produce a range of ideas, products and systems,
- combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices,
- be reflective in evaluating past and present design technology, its uses and effects,
- become highly informed users of manufactured products.
At Stringer we acknowledge that Design and Technology has a high political and economic profile which education must address. Capitalism depends on its capacity to create wealth by being innovative and selling products. It creates style and fashion and then proceeds to exploit these markets not merely at home but on an international and global scale.
Every citizen therefore needs to be familiar with a wide range of technology in order to have sufficient understanding and capacity to function and live effectively in modern society.
Technology has been responsible for improving every aspect of our lives. Dialogue with technologists is therefore essential if Design and Technology is to work effectively in our estimation and continue to be a positive influence on our daily lives.
