Design and Technology in Schools—Its Potential for the Engineering Profession

Abstract

The organization of schools and the curriculum have undergone major changes in the last two decades. These changes represent an opportunity for the engineering profession to promote the development of engineering qualities, within the spectrum of the broad-based, design education now becoming widely accepted as an essential ingredient in the education of all children.

A new subject has evolved, known as design and technology, with its own distinctive characteristics. These are described, in relation to the potential of the subject as a high status, ‘A’ level, suitable for prospective engineers. The increasing demand for art-based, design and electronics courses at university, in contrast to the declining interest in the mechanical, is seen as a direct consequence of the successful promotion of these activities in the schools. Adequately trained and motivated teachers are identified as the key resource, and a suitable training programme to enable teachers to promote mechanical activities in schools is outlined.

Ways in which the Institution of Mechanical Engineers could invest in the educational process, to secure a thriving enthusiasm for its own distinctive message, are proposed. Without these fundamentally new initiatives from within schools themselves, it is suggested that the declining interest in mechanical engineering at university, will lead inevitably to an erosion of entrance standards and of the hard-won status of the profession.