The most important quality that all student teachers on our course possess is a passion for design and sharing their creativity with young people. Many graduates who consider teaching Design Technology hold a second-class degree or higher in a Design Technology related subject; food and nutrition, product design, architecture, engineering, textiles, fashion or surface pattern design and systems and control, to name just a few.

If you have had a break from studying your specialist subject, have developed your subject knowledge within the workplace, or hold an A Level in a Design Technology subject but have an unrelated degree, then you may require a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the training programme. SKE courses require 25 hours per week of study and, due to the nature of SKE in Design and Technology, you may be required to attend a course outside of Cornwall for face-to-face support. The amount of SKE required will be determined at interview, and it is important to apply as early as possible in the application cycle if you are hoping to enrol on an SKE course in the event that you are offered, and accept, a place on the course. Find out more about SKE courses on the Department for Education’s Get into Teaching website.

Experience working with young people is always particularly beneficial, particularly experience in a UK comprehensive school observing and participating in a range of lessons, including your own subject. Being able to reflect upon recent classroom observations often strengthens interview discussions. If you have been out of the classroom for a few years, having one or two days’ of school observation prior to interviews might help boost your confidence.

Candidates are required to bring a portfolio or sample of their design work to the interview, to demonstrate the quality of their practical skills and abilities.

At Key Stage 3, the course will cover specialist skills in Product Design and Food & Nutrition, with a specialism developed in one area -listed below- at Key Stage 4:

• Product Design: Resistant Materials, Electronics (Systems & Control, ECT)
• Food and Nutrition
• Textiles Technology

Please visit www.data.org.uk for further information about Design & Technology subjects.

You will gain a secure knowledge and understanding of the main concepts and skills in Design Technology, sufficient to teach them confidently to students from the age of 11 to 16, with some experience of the post 16 route. This will involve:

• Lesson planning and sequences of lessons
• Meeting the needs of all pupils in the classroom
• Teaching and learning strategies and resources
• Promoting good behaviour and a positive climate for learning
• Group workshops to enhance, acquire and apply subject knowledge and skills.
• Training for the Curriculum in Design and Technology.
• Training in assessment and standardisation, class management, and legal and contractual responsibilities.
• A Design and Technology workshop in a primary school (awareness of transition between Key Stages 2 and 3).
• Training and experience in a special educational school.
• Training in CAD/CAM.
• Health and Safety training