NAAIDT

The new NAAIDT Website has been completely remodelled - this is the main entry portal for online materials and support provided by the National Association of Advisers and Inspectors in Design and Technology.

from the new Programme of Study for Key Stage 3

In design and technology pupils combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and intervene to improve the quality of life, solving problems as individuals and members of a team.

Working in stimulating contexts that provide a range of opportunities and draw on the local ethos, community and wider world,pupils identify needs and opportunities. They respond with ideas, products and systems, challenging expectations where appropriate. They combine practical and intellectual skills with an understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, economic, industrial and environmental issues. As they do so, they evaluate present and past design and technology, and its uses and effects. Through design and technology pupils develop confidence in using practical skills and become discriminating users of products. They apply their creative thinking and learn to innovate.

Link to The revised PoS for D&T at KS3

Planning

Design and Technology is a single subject involving a variety of activities that require a range of specialist facilities. In a new building, therefore, Design and Technology spaces should be grouped together, allowing pupils to make maximum use of a range of facilities and strengthening departmental identity. Ideally, the Design and Technology suite should be on the ground floor with easy access for the delivery of materials. It is also useful to locate the department near to others with which there may be links (for example, electronics facilities may be shared with the science area, and there are often strong links with the art and design department too).

Link to the DfES Building and Design Unit website

NAAIDT vision

NAAIDT believes that design and technology capability is best developed through being engaged in the purposeful practical activity of making things using a range of processes, equipment and materials. When engaged in design and technology activity, pupils should undertake work in contexts that are challenging, relevant and motivating. The emphasis on practical experience is central to design and technology to enable pupils to play a full and active role in a technological society and influence the quality of their environment.

The new NAAIDT website is designed to provide a means through which NAAIDT Members can share information and advice relating to design and technology education

Click on the Help link for guidance on how to add content to this web site. Note that this facility is restricted to NAAIDT members following a successful logon. All contributions will be moderated by NAAIDT before being made public so please allow a short time for this process to be completed. You may use the email link at the foot of this page to contact the website editor in case of problems.

Pupils' work online

"This is one of the most useful resources I've come across to support the national curriculum. Seeing actual pupils' work alongside commentaries helps me see how all of the advice and guidance translates into practice." - Head of Technology, North Yorkshire

Link to National Curriculum in Action

This website uses pupils' work and case study materials to show what the National Curriculum in D&T looks like in practice.
The examples given show:

• the standard of pupils' work at different ages and key stages
• how the programmes of study translate into real activities
• effective use of ICT across the curriculum

The new NAAIDT Website - User Guide

Site description:

• all content is in the form of 'articles' classified and stored in a single searchable database;
• the main classifications are shown down the left side of the screen and most of these open to reveal sub-classifications;
• key words can be entered in the main search box at the top right of the screen to reveal articles matching selected classifications.
• Articles appear with 'lead articles' first, where these exist, followed by other articles in order of their popularity
• NAAIDT members can login to comment on or suggest additions to content posted on this web site simply by clicking the Add comment link at the bottom left of each article