Talking D&T

Send me a message. This week I'm digging into curriculum consultations — specifically the one currently open for Northern Ireland's Technology and Design curriculum, which I helped draft and which closes on 30 September. Before getting into the detail, I wanted to clear up something that keeps coming up in conversations, including one I had only today: what a national curriculum document actually does. In England and Northern Ireland, these documents say what should be taught and why — not ho...

Send me a message. I’ve been away for a while, and coming back means being honest about why: an Achilles rupture that never healed properly, surgery at the end of July, and six weeks in a boot that has forced me to slow down. Recovery has been “pretty alright” and also a bit rubbish, but the bigger story is what that pause has done for my headspace. Stepping back from the constant churn of design and technology education has given me room to think about what matters, what helps, and what the ...

Send me a message. I recently attended an event at Nottingham Trent University that wasn't really aimed at me — but it got me thinking in ways I wasn't expecting. Industry designers were talking to final-year product design students about what it takes to succeed in the profession, and I found myself scribbling notes and asking: what does any of this mean for D&T classrooms? In this episode, I share my reflections on that event and dig into some of the ideas that stuck with me. We're talk...

Send me a message. A curriculum can look tidy on paper while the teacher behind it is quietly thinking, “Am I getting this right?” We sit with that reality and treat it seriously, because design and technology education is full of high-frequency decisions that rarely come with neat, usable evidence attached. When you are choosing content, planning projects, or defending DT to senior leaders, guesswork is a poor tool, yet it is often what we are left with. This week I unpack some of the speci...

Send me a message. D&T curriculum leadership often feels like making consequential calls with half a map. When time is squeezed, pupils disengage, policies shift, and senior leaders want clear rationales, it is easy to end up relying on instinct or borrowed evidence from other subjects. I wanted to pause on a simple but uncomfortable question for primary and secondary Design and Technology subject leads across England, the UK, and beyond: what decisions are you making right now where you ...

Send me a message. The best support in Design and Technology rarely looks dramatic. It looks like a calm voice re-reading instructions, a bigger print-out placed quietly on a bench, a checklist that turns panic into progress, and a student realising they can finish what they started. I’m joined by Sarah, a Learning Support Assistant working closely with a D&T department, to explain what inclusion actually requires when lessons move between food tech, textiles, workshop making, and CAD. W...

Send me a message. I’ve been quiet on the podcast, and I wanted to be honest about why. The short version is not drama, it’s the reality of design and technology education work right now: drafting curriculum, managing confidentiality, and trying to protect enough headspace to do any of it well. A big part of my time has been taken up with national curriculum work. I’m involved in drafting the new national curriculum for England, which comes with an NDA, so I’m careful about what I say and ho...

Send me a message. What happens when a senior leader who grew up in the workshop helps design three SEMH schools from the ground up? In this episoode, I sit down with Paul Quinn to unpack a bold, practical vision for Design and Technology that prioritises access, safety and pride in making. Instead of chasing every shiny gadget, Paul explains why reliable hand tools and a hard-working laser cutter deliver outsized gains for learners who need quick wins, clear routines and visible success they...

Send me a message. A noisy workshop can feel like a storm, but what if the path to learning starts with rhythm, not rush? We sit down with D&T teacher Ailis Brown from a specialist SEMH school in Leeds to unpack how safety, trust, and regulation turn short lessons into meaningful progress. From clocks and board games to careful joinery, Ailis shows how a flexible bank of projects meets pupils where they are and gently moves them forward. We compare mainstream pressures with the reality o...

Send me a message. Nicola Brown shares her experience teaching design and technology at Springwell Leeds North, an SEMH school catering to students aged 7-16 with social, emotional, and mental health needs. She discusses how building relationships, establishing micro-routines, and adapting teaching approaches helps students thrive in a subject that offers unique opportunities for personal development. Working with SEMH students requires understanding dysregulation and supporting emotional r...

Send me a message. A museum floor changed underfoot and so did my thinking. After a visit to the V&A’s Design and Disability exhibition, I came home energised and unsettled—in the best way—and unpack how inclusive design moves from a nice‑to‑have to the engine of real innovation and dignity. It caused me to question a stubborn myth: that able‑bodied designers solve problems for others. The stories on display point to something richer—design with, led and instigated by Disabled people, whe...

Send me a message. Ever been told art and design and technology are basically the same because they share the word “design”? Let’s test that claim with real data and grounded classroom experience. In this episode I unpack how teachers and stakeholders describe the value of D&T and the value of art and design, then draw a clear map of where they overlap, where they diverge, and what leaders risk when they blur them into one. First, I outline five widely reported value themes for D&T: ...

Send me a message. In this episode, I'm excited to share three brilliant opportunities for you to get involved in research that's shaping the future of design and technology education. First, I'll tell you about the Redesigning Design and Technology project I'm co-leading with Ciaran, Andrew, and Amanda. We've identified 18 contentious questions that divide our community and created a survey where you can share your views on these crucial debates. This research feels particularly timely with ...

Send me a message. Reconnecting with purpose is essential when facing professional challenges. In this reflective episode, I share my experience of an unsuccessful professorial application and how it prompted me to rediscover why I'm passionate about design and technology education in the first place. The start of a new academic term offers the perfect opportunity to step back from the excitement and apprehension of returning to teaching and consider our fundamental values: What drives...

Send me a message. Recommended read: Studio Properties: A field guide to design education (edited by Derek Jones , Elizabeth Boling, James Benedict Brown , James Corazzo, Colin M. Gray, Nicole Lotz) Derek Jones and Alice Hellard explore the concept of design studio as a transformative educational approach that extends beyond physical space to encompass social dynamics, extended cognition, and embodied knowledge. • Design studio is not just a physical spac...

Send me a message. Michelle Gregson, General Secretary and Chief Executive of NSEAD, discusses the relationship between art and design and design and technology education, exploring their distinctiveness while highlighting their shared values and challenges. NSEAD operates as a learned society, subject association, and specialist trade union for art and design educationBoth art and design and design and technology subjects face similar challenges of reduced curriculum time and resourcesMich...

Send me a message. If you are interested in helping the Association evaluate their Inspired by Industry programme, sign up here: https://bit.ly/IBIinterest What happens when we look beyond textbook projects and expose 11-14 year olds to real industry design challenges? Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, reveals how they're transforming technical education from the ground up through their ambitious "Inspired by Industry" programme. Six years into his leadersh...

Send me a message. Max Pownall is a product design lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. Find out more about Max and his work: Instagram (NTU Focussed)LinkedInUni profileFinal Year Degree online degree showMentioned in this episode Events with Alison Hardy The Design Thinking Toolbox https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/books/michael-lewrick/design-thinking-toolbox/9781119629191 Tools from the book at - https://en.dt-toolbook.com/t Support the show If you like the podcast, you can always ...

Send me a message. Holistic, summative assessment is essential for properly evaluating design and technology capability, drawing on research by Richard Kimball and Kay Stables that predates the National Curriculum and has been tested across multiple countries and age groups. Effective capability assessment tasks allow pupils to demonstrate ability to respond to an unfamiliar design contexAssessment focuses on students' design capability, not their knowledge of the specific contextTeachers s...

Send me a message. Formative assessment in Design and Technology requires structured peer feedback approaches to be effective. Research shows a significant gap in assessing technological knowledge, with most studies focusing on design knowledge instead. • Design crits from higher education can be adapted for classroom use through peer feedback • Research from the Netherlands identifies convergent feedback (clarifying ideas) and divergent feedback (promoting creative responses) • Teachers mus...

Send me a message. How do we effectively assess knowledge in Design and Technology education? It's a question with surprisingly few research-backed answers, despite its critical importance to teaching practice. I talk about this assessment gap in the second episode of my sub-series on D&T research. I remind listeners that D&T knowledge encompasses both conceptual understanding ("knowing what") and procedural application ("knowing how"), forming the foundation upon which capabil...

Send me a message. How do we measure what truly matters in Design and Technology education? The challenge lies in distinguishing between assessing individual knowledge components and evaluating the holistic capability that emerges when students apply their learning autonomously. In this foundational episode, I introduce a new mini-series focused entirely on assessment in D&T education. Drawing from research literature, I establish the critical difference between two assessment targets: s...

Send me a message. What makes for effective teaching in Design & Technology? Returning after a brief hiatus, I delve into the research-backed pedagogical approaches that can transform D&T education. This episode synthesizes my recent exploration of teaching strategies, clarifying the crucial distinction between curriculum (what we teach) and pedagogy (how we develop student capabilities). At the heart of D&T education lies a persistent misconception I'm determined to challenge: t...

Send me a message. In this episode of the Talking D&T podcast, I explore the pedagogical approach of product analysis, often known as IDEAS (Investigation, Disassembly, Evaluation, and Analysis). I examine how this signature pedagogy helps develop learners' understanding of technology in society—a core aim of the National Curriculum in England. I discuss how product analysis bridges curriculum and pedagogy by teaching pupils to examine artefacts through multiple lenses. When handled thoug...

Send me a message. In this episode, I delve into the pedagogical approaches that exist beyond the traditional 'design and make' activities in Design and Technology education. Drawing on research literature and classroom practice, I explore how 'mainly designing' and 'mainly making' activities can be powerful pedagogical tools when used deliberately and appropriately. I share insights from Bill Nichol's work on designing for future contexts, including how case studies and question cards can he...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I explore the complex nature of design and make activities in design and technology education. Drawing on research from Richard Kimball, David Perry, and Robert McCormick, I unpack the pedagogical approach of design and make that underpins our subject and challenge some common misconceptions about "the design process". A key insight emerges around the balance between process and outcome in D&T education. When we become fixated on the ...

Send me a message. Drawing a clear line between how we teach and what we teach seems straightforward—until you step into a Design & Technology classroom. In this thought-provoking exploration of pedagogy in D&T education, I unpack why teachers often blur the boundaries between teaching methods and curriculum content, sometimes without realising it. The heart of effective D&T education lies in developing students' design and technology capability, but this requires navigating compl...

Send me a message. Knowledge frameworks matter profoundly in Design and Technology education, yet teachers often struggle to distinguish between what students need to know for a specific project versus what builds lasting capability. This episode tackles that challenge head-on. In this episode, I explore the concept of knowledge frameworks in design and technology education, continuing my series on what research tells us about D&T. I delve into two types of knowledge that I believe are p...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I explore the complex role of values in design and technology education. Drawing on research from influential scholars like David Layton, Mike Martin and Rhoda Trimingham, I unpack how values aren't merely peripheral to D&T but are, as Layton puts it, "the engine of design and technology." I examine two key perspectives: values within design (how values influence design decisions) and values developed through design and technology (ho...

Send me a message. In this episode, I delve deeper into the forms of knowledge that underpin design and technology education. Building on McCormick's conceptual and procedural knowledge framework, I propose a more nuanced approach that considers design knowledge and technological knowledge as existing on a spectrum. I explore how these knowledge types can be visualised as intersecting axes, creating four quadrants that help teachers plan their curriculum more effectively. This framework isn'...

Send me a message. In this episode, I explore what research tells us about knowledge in Design & Technology education. Understanding the nature of knowledge in D&T is crucial for effective teaching and curriculum planning, so I examine both procedural and conceptual knowledge, exploring how they connect and what this means for our practice. Following our previous discussion on D&T capability, I analyse the relationship between these knowledge types, drawing from Bob McCormick's 19...

Send me a message. In this episode, I delve into the fundamental purpose of the design and technology curriculum, focusing on the concept of D&T capability. Drawing from seminal research by Richard Kimball and Kay Stables, I explore how this capability encompasses creative and critical thinking, problem-solving, and solution creation within authentic contexts. I unpack how D&T capability isn't something that simply emerges through teaching knowledge and practical skills – it requires ...

Send me a message. In this episode, I'm sharing some exciting developments in design and technology education, starting with insights from a recent policy event I led at Nottingham Trent University. The day brought together D&T teachers and university lecturers in design education to envision the future of our subject, using an innovative co-navigator approach from Denmark. I discuss the growing collaboration between schools and universities in design education, highlighted by lightning ...

Send me a message. In this reflective end-of-year episode, I take stock of Talking D&T's journey through 2024 and share plans for the future. With 52 episodes published this year - including 27 interviews spanning two major series, PATT40 and Shaping D&T - it's been my most prolific year yet, reaching listeners through nearly 8,000 downloads. I reflect on how the podcast has evolved from its origins as a way to make design and technology research more accessible to teachers, into a p...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with Simone Norman, a D&T teacher at Sutton High School in South London who also leads on equality, diversity and inclusion. Our conversation examines a fascinating paper from the PAT40 conference about conversation analysis and variation theory in technical education, which particularly resonated with Simone's teaching experience. We explore how teachers plan and deliver technical demonstrations, examining the intricate inter...

Send me a message. In this reflective episode of Talking D&T, I explore the key themes and insights that emerged from my 26-part series on shaping design and technology education. Drawing from my conversations with educators, researchers, and industry experts throughout 2024, I examine the ongoing debate between evolution versus revolution in D&T education. One fascinating thread running through many of my discussions was the crucial role of teacher voice in curriculum development. F...

Send me a message. In this episode, I'm joined by Michele Gregson, General Secretary and Chief Executive of the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD). With over 30 years of experience across education, Michele brings valuable insights into the relationship between art & design and design & technology education. We explore the complex interplay between these two subjects, discussing both the common ground and distinctive characteristics that make each unique. Our con...

Send me a message. In this episode of the Talking D&T podcast, I describe the recent curriculum and assessment review panel meeting I attended in Cambridgeshire. I explore the ongoing call for evidence and its implications for design and technology education. One key insight from the meeting was the emphasis on evolution, not revolution, in curriculum changes. This approach considers the financial constraints and the current strain on the teaching workforce. Another significant point was ...

Send me a message. In this episode, I chat with Kevin Spurr and Becky Forshaw from Kitronik, a company supplying D&T resources to schools. Kevin, a co-founder with 20 years of experience, and Becky, a former primary teacher, offer unique perspectives on the evolving landscape of D&T education. We explore how Kitronik develops products and resources balancing engagement, affordability, and curriculum relevance. Kevin shares insights into their manufacturing process and adapting to cha...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I break down the curriculum and assessment review for England. As a researcher in design and technology education, I highlight key sections relevant to D&T teachers and stakeholders. I walk you through the review's nine sections, focusing on areas like social justice, curriculum content, and assessment. You'll learn how to approach your response and understand the importance of providing specific examples. We explore D&T's place i...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I'm delighted to chat with Venessa Lourdes Silveira, a PhD student in Educational Theory and Practice with a fascinating background in design and technology education. We dive into Venessa's action research project on promoting creativity in secondary D&T classrooms through biomimicry. Our conversation explores how nature-inspired design methods can spark student engagement and innovative thinking. Venessa shares insights from her co...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with Alice Hellard, Programme Lead for Design and Technology PGCE at Goldsmiths University, and Derek Jones, senior lecturer in sustainable design at the Open University. We talk about design studios and their potential impact on D&T education. Our conversation explores how studio practices can shape learning experiences, from primary classrooms to higher education. Alice shares insights from her teaching background, while Der...

Send me a message. Curious about how exam boards shape design and technology education? In this episode of Talking D&T, I sit down with Louise Attwood, Subject Support Lead for D&T at AQA. With eight years at the exam board and a background in teaching, Louise offers unique insights into the world of D&T qualifications. We explore the intricate process of curriculum development and assessment, uncovering how AQA works with the Department for Education, Ofqual, and teachers to shap...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with Dawn Foxall, founder of the Textile Skills Centre. Dawn's fascinating journey from knitwear designer to opera singer, and finally to textiles education advocate, sets the stage for our wide-ranging conversation. We delve into the current state of textiles education within D&T, exploring the challenges faced by teachers and the need for a more comprehensive approach. Dawn shares insights from her recent research, revealing...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with Dr Bethan Gordon, Dean of Cardiff School of Art and Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Bethan, a human-centred designer by training, has been deeply involved in developing the new curriculum for Wales. We dive into the fascinating world of curriculum reform, exploring how Wales is revolutionising its approach to education. Bethan shares insights on their focus on developing both the curriculum and the teachers themsel...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I had the pleasure of interviewing Scott Bartholemew, a professor of technology and engineering studies at Brigham Young University in Utah, USA. We explored the landscape of design and technology education in America, which is known there as technology and engineering education. Scott provided fascinating insights into the complex structure of technology education in the US, explaining how it varies significantly between states. He desc...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I dive into the recently announced curriculum review for England and what it means for design and technology education. As someone who's been part of discussions shaping D&T's future, I share my thoughts on how teachers can get involved and influence government policy. I explore the review's terms of reference, highlighting the emphasis on a 'broader curriculum' and what this could mean for D&T. Drawing on my experience, I sugges...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with David Houston, team leader for schools and colleges at the V&A South Kensington. David shares his passion for design education and the pivotal role museums play in inspiring young minds. We delve into the V&A's innovative programmes, including DesignLab Nation and V&A Innovate, which bring design thinking to schools across the UK. David's insights on creating 'eureka moments' for students and the importance of han...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I sit down with Amanda Mason and Ciaran Ellis to discuss their involvement in the Redesigning D&T project. We explore their motivations for joining the initiative and the valuable insights they've gained along the way. Amanda, a secondary school teacher in the Northeast of England, shares how the project has deepened her understanding of the subject and its varied interpretations across schools. Ciaran, head of design technology in t...

Send me a message. In this episode of Talking D&T, I sat down with Jim Dale, Head of Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, to explore the evolving landscape of design education. Jim shared fascinating insights into how university courses are adapting to prepare students for the diverse world of modern product design. We delved into the transition students face when moving from school to university, discussing how Jim's department helps broaden their understanding of design beyon...