Talking D&T Dr Alison Hardy

Send me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I chat with David Houston, team leader for schools and colleges at the V&A South Kensington. David shares his passion for design education and the pivotal role museums play in inspiring young minds.We delve into the V&A's innovative programmes, including DesignLab Nation and V&A Innovate, which bring design thinking to schools across the UK. David's insights on creating 'eureka moments' for students and the importance of hands-...

Subscriber-only episodeSend me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I explore the nuanced role of craft in design and technology education. I reflect on a recent conversation with Nicky Dewer, which prompted me to examine the complexities surrounding hands-on learning in our subject.I argue against the notion of teaching high-level craft skills in schools, as we simply haven't the time to develop true craftspersonship. Instead, I propose that we focus on providing pupils with opportu...

Send me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I sit down with Amanda Mason and Ciaran Ellis to discuss their involvement in the Redesigning D&T project. We explore their motivations for joining the initiative and the valuable insights they've gained along the way.Amanda, a secondary school teacher in the Northeast of England, shares how the project has deepened her understanding of the subject and its varied interpretations across schools. Ciaran, head of design technology in the ...

Send me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I sat down with Jim Dale, Head of Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, to explore the evolving landscape of design education. Jim shared fascinating insights into how university courses are adapting to prepare students for the diverse world of modern product design.We delved into the transition students face when moving from school to university, discussing how Jim's department helps broaden their understanding of design beyond p...

Send me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Ball from the D&T Association. Our conversation centred around the current state of the design and technology teaching workforce in England. Ryan shared his insights from visiting numerous schools across the country, highlighting the enthusiasm of primary school teachers and the challenges faced by secondary school teachers.We discussed the shift in demographics, with younger teachers bringing fr...

Send me a message.In this episode of Talking D&T, I spoke with Holly Maxwell, a curriculum advisor for the Leigh Academy Trust, and Harkit Janagel, head of design and food at Strood Academy, about the differences between GCSE Design & Technology and GCSE 3D Design. We delved into the challenges teachers face when choosing between these qualifications and the reasons why some schools opt for 3D Design over D&T.Holly and Harkit shared their experiences and insights, discussing the e...