Base ~ How to do business in the 21st century ~ 16-17 March 2010
ProLogis
Design and Technology – a subject for industry with sustainability in mind
Session time slot
  • Session WE3 | Wednesday 17 March | 12:00-12:45
Synopsis
Design and technology is a national curriculum subject straddling general and vocational pathways. It is the most popular GCSE optional subject. Central to design and technology is the act of designing; a process in which new ideas are conceived and taken from the mind’s eye into the made world. The focus is on project-led work in relevant, real life contexts which stimulates creativity and problem solving. It fosters the ability to make decisions, plan a course of action and carry it out working as an individual and as a member of a team. Through these activities young people learn to deal with uncertainty and be flexible. Studying design and technology supports a supply of entrants into technical apprenticeships, FE and HE in engineering, product and industrial design.

Recently design and technology has taken a lead in engaging young people with the issues facing us concerning the impact of human activities on the planet with regard to both global warming and resource depletion. Understanding that current activities must change and how they might change so that we do not jeopardise the possibilities for future generations is now a key element in the design & technology curriculum.

Those attending the round table will be able to learn more about the way design and technology is tackling education for sustainable development, identify ways in which business and industry can be involved in this process through collaboration with schools and colleges and discuss their own current and future contributions to this process.
Themes
  • Carbon management
  • Climate change
  • Education
  • Sustainable buildings
  • Sustainable business
  • Sustainable policy
Mr Richard Greene
Chief Executive
Design and Technology Association
Biography
Richard joined the Design and Technology Association in January 2003 as Deputy Chief Executive and was appointed Chief Executive in November 2004. For the first 18 months at the Association he was seconded part-time to contribute to the development of the design and technology materials as part of the KS3 National Strategy. He has had overall responsibility for three national CPD programmes, CAD/CAM in Schools and Electronics in Schools, which merged in 2008 to become the Digital D&T programme and which aims to develop and support D&T through the use of modern designing and manufacturing technologies. Through managing major professional and curriculum development projects and developing services for members involved in all aspects of design and technology education, the Design and Technology Association continues to develop and grow as one of the most successful subject associations. Richard trained at Goldsmiths and taught in London and the south-east. He was head of a successful department in a large comprehensive school before becoming the adviser for design and technology in the London Borough of Bromley. His work in this capacity involved him in providing advice, support and in-service training to teachers and senior managers in primary, secondary and special schools. He has also written and contributed to a wide range of design and technology publications; been involved in research; worked as an OFSTED inspector and initiated a number of projects linking design and technology in schools to business and industry.
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