Learning to Teach Design and Technology in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience

Learning to Teach Design and Technology in the Secondary School is a core text for all those training to teach design and technology in the secondary school. It helps you develop subject knowledge, acquire a deeper understanding of the role, purpose, and potential of design and technology within the secondary curriculum and provides the practical skills needed to plan, teach, and evaluate stimulating and creative lessons.

This fifth edition introduces a new knowledge model tailored to the subject, explores curriculum intent, and explains how pupils build capability―the power to make purposeful changes to the made world. With fresh chapters on inclusion, mentoring, and the evolving shape of the subject, the book offers practical strategies for planning, pedagogy, and assessment, alongside guidance for developing your professional identity and career. Designed to be read as a course text or dipped into for support and advice, this book will help you:

• Understand what pupils learn in design and technology and why it matters
• Build strong subject knowledge and reflective classroom practice
• Create inclusive, safe, and inspiring learning environments
• Navigate curriculum changes and plan for your professional growth

With tasks, examples, and further reading, this book is essential reading for students on all training routes―as well as their mentors―who aspire to become confident, forward-thinking design and technology teachers.

Alison Hardy is Associate Professor at Nottingham Trent University in the Nottingham Institute of Education. Her work centres on design and technology education and curriculum development. Alison leads Archer Exchange at Nottingham Trent University, a group of leading design and technology experts who shape the subject for the modern day through consultancy, training, research, and evaluation. You can find out more on Alison's website (dralisonhardy.com) and hear her sharing ideas on her Talking D&T podcast.

Sarah Davies is Senior Lecturer at the Nottingham Institute of Education at Nottingham Trent University, UK. After teaching secondary school D&T for 10 years, Sarah moved into initial teacher education and research about and for the support of secondary D&T teachers’ day-to-day practice, including their continuing professional development as subject specialists.