Craft Design and Technology in Primary Schools

Abstract

Craft, Design and Technology, with its problemsolving base is now well established in secondary schools and the recent DES statement on the organisation and content of the 5-16 curriculum has clearly set the Government's seal of approval on this aspect of the secondary curriculum.

However, it is important to note that the document also places a strong emphasis on children making an early start in CDT type experiences by providing them right from the infant stage of the primary phase of education.

The mere existence, let alone the far-reaching implications of such a statement may surprise both traditionally minded secondary CDT teachers - 'Young kids can't handle tools, let alone design "; and some primary teachers for whom 'science' and 'using tools and materials' have frightening connotations. Despite reactions of this kind, there are at least two crucial issues which must be faced when seriously considering this question.