Design and Technology (Materials Technology and Systems and Control) GTTR code: W9X1
The programme combines academic study of D&T education with a range of practical experiences in schools and in the University. Together these prepare you to teach in one of two specialist areas of D&T (Materials Technology and Systems and Control) across the 11-16 age range. Enhancement opportunities are also provided if you wish to experience post-16 teaching.
The programme aims to prepare you to be a successful teacher of D&T, combining your intellectual ability and advanced designing and making skills with managing groups of pupils working safely in a range of practical situations.
The subject
D&T is a relatively new and continually changing subject which remains very popular with children. Success is demonstrated through the practical and intellectual capability to both design and to make quality products. Under the broad banner of D&T in schools, pupils work in four or five different material areas: graphics; food; compliant materials (textiles); materials technology (wood, plastics, metals); systems and control (including electronics, computer control and ECT). Teaching is often studio or workshop based and is a balance of design and taking action.
The content
Very few PGCE students have backgrounds that are strong in both materials areas. An early audit will identify your knowledge and skills needs and opportunities to fulfil these will be provided during both your University and school/college based experiences. In addition, you will also follow a safety course that leads to certification under a nationally recognised scheme supported by DATA (The Design and Technology Association).
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) features strongly, not just for your own personal competence in using it to support your administration and planning, but also in how it can be used to enhance teaching and learning. You'll particularly focus on computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and electronic communication technology (ECT) modelling software and computer based control. There will also the opportunity to gain national accreditation in both CAD/CAM and ECT.
"Outstanding feature of the training is the inclusion of issues that are current and important within the D&T curriculum."(OfSTED report, Design and Technology)
Support and resources
The programme is based in a dedicated teaching room well-equipped with a range of equipment and materials to support your work. Our partner schools, close to the University campus, host the safety training and allow full access to a wide range of workshop machinery and tools. In addition, all partner schools have extensive facilities for your supervised use during school experience. A library of typical school texts and other printed materials is maintained in the studio and items from these can be borrowed to support school based and academic activities. There is also a wide range of texts available in the Education and University Libraries. In addition to the extensive ICT facilities available, a small suite of computers is available with access to specialist D&T software and allowing external peripherals to be used such as control equipment.
Your University tutor has an international reputation for research, teaching and publications in Education. They are responsible for supervising the work of trainee teachers in the University and for working closely with the school/college mentors.
"Training in ICT is an outstanding feature of the course."
(OfSTED report, Design and Technology)
Employment
This programme consists of a variety of learning experiences designed for those wishing to teach Design and Technology in secondary schools. It prepares graduates to teach the National Curriculum and related national strategies and GCSE. It leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and ultimately membership of the General Teaching Council for England (GTCE). The programme prepares participants to teach D&T in a range of secondary schools (including 11-16 and 11-18 both maintained and independent) and sixth form colleges. Employment rates are consistently very high.
There is a national shortage of D&T teachers, particularly in the material areas that this course offers. In recent years the vast majority of students have secured teaching posts in their desired school by the end of the course. To aid you in this you'll receive support and guidance in making applications for appropriate posts.
Course Leader: David Spendlove
david.spendlove@manchester.ac.uk
What our trainees say
"The D&T PGCE is an intense and rewarding experience. The support offered from both the course tutor and fellow trainees is an outstanding feature.
Your skills and attitudes towards design and creativity are challenged throughout with assignments, presentations and through collaboration with fellow trainees. These experiences were key to influencing my own approach to teaching D&T. Ultimately, you will emerge with the confidence to become an excellent D&T teacher."
(Ed PGCE trainee 2006-07)
"The Design and Technology PGCE was a stimulating, eye opening and at times a challenging experience, I feel extremely proud of myself and my fellow course mates for completing it. The opportunity to meet and work with like minded and enthusiastic people enhanced this life changing course."
(Clare PGCE trainee 2006-07)