Strong links to the outside world

It is also important that the design & technology curriculum has strong and useful links to the world outside school.

One way to achieve this is for the department to make links with the local SETPOINT and use the Science and Engineering Ambassadors Scheme that they manage. You can find details of this scheme at the SETNET website:

www.setnet.org.uk/services_withinschool.html

The Design and Technology Association is the professional association for design & technology teachers. You can visit their website (www.data.org.uk) to find out about the professional development opportunities for your teachers.

You can use the Supplier section of this website to find out about the sorts of tools, materials and equipment available for design & technology.

You can visit the joint QCA and DFES website to find out more about the design & technology curriculum:

www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/seu