Industrial Practices, Systems and Control at Key Stage 4

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between designing and making processes followed in design and technology and industrial and commercial practices commonly used in industry. It identifies a range of industrial and commercial practices and gives examples of how these can be translated into classroom practice in different focus material areas. A unit of work for Key Stage 4 textiles technology demonstrates how industrial practices can be integrated into textiles work, using simple industry-related activities. The unit of work includes learning objectives, possible teaching activities, opportunities for building an understanding of industrial practices and further activities/homework ideas.