Design and technology has been in the news lately. The London Underground map, the Spitfire, and Concorde have just been voted Britain’s three favourite designs, and our fashion designers have been acclaimed in the Milan fashion week. Thanks to Jamie Oliver, even food technology has become fashionable again. So, whether you’re teaching resistant materials, textiles, graphics or food, now is the time to capitalise on the publicity and join your subject association.
DATA practises what it preaches with an outstanding website, including a section on developing e-portfolios. They’re on the ball too, as regards campaigning - despite an Ofsted report that says food technology is the best taught of the subjects, DATA’s survey shows concern about time, money and teacher shortages.
On joining, you get a monthly electronic newsletter, downloadable resources, discounts on publications and health-and-safety accreditation, specialist training and three magazines (DATA Practice, DATANews, and Design and Technology Education: an international journal). There are primary, secondary and SEN sections on the website. The excellent news section provides plenty of ammunition to persuade your Year 9s to continue with DT.
Membership is pound;47 (less by direct debit), which includes public contingency liability insurance. If you get in quick, there’s a special offer. Quote reference number PO1 on your form to get a free copy of either DATA’s key stage 3 CD-Rom or DATA’s Helpsheets for the National Exemplar Scheme of Work for Design and Technology in Primary Schools.
MORE INFORMATION
DATA, 16 Wellesbourne House, Walton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, CV35 9JB. Tel: 01789 470007; fax: 01789 841955; www.web.data.org.uk
