What is D&T Capability? Back to Basics

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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 careful, structured curriculum planning. The episode highlights two particularly fascinating aspects: the role of iterative design (which, contrary to popular belief, isn't a new concept from the 2013 National Curriculum), and the importance of authentic learning contexts that can extend into unknown future scenarios.

For D&T teachers, this episode offers valuable insights into curriculum planning that deliberately develops pupils' capacity for creative and critical thinking over time. Whether you're teaching in primary or secondary, you'll find practical considerations for building what I call pupils' 'growing toolbox' of technical skills, strategic thinking, and designerly strategies.

This exploration of D&T capability is particularly relevant as schools continue to shape their curriculum intent. How do you structure your curriculum to develop these capabilities? Are you planning for progression from Year 1 through to GCSE and beyond?

Connect with me through Speakpipe or email to share your thoughts on developing D&T capability in your context. Links are in the show notes, and if you find the podcast valuable, consider becoming a patron to support this work.

Acknowledgement:
Some of the supplementary content for this podcast episode was crafted with the assistance of Claude, an AI language model developed by Anthropic. While the core content is based on the actual conversation and my editorial direction, Claude helped in refining and structuring information to best serve listeners. This collaborative approach allows me to provide you with concise, informative, and engaging content to complement each episode.

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