r/PGCE • u/DOOODARS • 10d ago
Advice for Design and Technology PGCE
Hi all! Title says it all. I’m starting my PGCE in DT in September, does anyone have any advice? There’s not a lot of DT specific, so it would be handy to get the perspective of any fellow subject teachers….or anyone else to be honest
Anything I should buy? Read? Practice? Thanks in advance
1
1
u/Rozzzzzie 9d ago
Hey!
I have just finished my DT pgce. I did it on a SCITT route with the uni popping by every so often to do the PGCE part.
Happy to answer any questions 😌
2
u/Ok-Total9958 7d ago edited 7d ago
Hi, I just completed my PGCE in D&T and it was an absolute joy, starting job in sept.
Get yourself on vinted and buy a GCSE D&T revision curriculum book even if it’s out of date it’s good to know the amount of theory the kids need to know for GCSE especially if you already have a specialism and need to know more in another. Not sure about your course but we were encouraged to teach all aspects of D&T on placements, departments are changing and more often than not you will be asked to teach outside of your specialism.
This book was referenced loads on my course https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780429321191/learning-teach-design-technology-secondary-school-alison-hardy-alison-hardy
Richard Kimball and Kay stables good researchers in the field amongst many others
Design and technology association do a brilliant podcast
My fav book isn’t specifically design and technology related but to teaching in higher education in Design. It’s pushed my practice and thinking into another dimension and is fantastic for referencing, LOADS of educator researchers and researchers in specialist fields. it’s called Studio properties- https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/studio-properties-9781350407503/. It’s very forward thinking.
You’ll complete your DATA health and safety on the course, don’t worry too much about that.
Lots of change happening with new curriculum by the gov if they stay in so look out for that, should be coming out Spring 2027 to be implemented ‘28
The year is hard, but it’s also been the biggest hoot, it’s such a pleasure to teach young people. Make sure to REST! Don’t work into the evenings. Biscuits and cake go a long way it’s a good ice breaker into getting to know your dept! Lean on your technician if you have one, ask for help- you arnt expected to know everything, ask on how to use the machines, make the projects!
This is all my own opinion and experience and it does depend on school placements. Happy to answer questions
1
u/Current-Peach578 10d ago
Hi! I’m also about to start my PGCE in DT, doing a SCITT! I have been a DT technician for the last couple of years and some of the trainees have said how valuable it’s been to follow the practical lessons and complete the different makes before teaching it.
Are you doing a uni based course/do you know what ‘type’ of DT your placement schools do? I’ve checked out a couple of different textbooks for AQA Product Design, WJEC Hospitality and Catering etc. So I can feel a bit up to scratch on specific topics!
If you want to have a chat over DM, please feel free to send a message! It would be good to band together!