Putting the 'T' into CDT

Abstract

Taking the theme 'Putting the T into CDT' really needs an examination of what constitutes or characterises both CDT and Technology.

What is CDT?

Weare in a curriculum area that has rapidly expanded, and many teachers have not been able to keep up with the changes. A useful definition of CDT was given by HMI in 1983 in 'CDT: A Curriculum Statement for the 11-16+ Age Group'. 1

'The central aim of Craft, Design and Technology (CDT) is to develop in pupils those complex skills and abilities needed to enable them to exercise some control over the quality of the man-made environment'.

This is refined to the activities of Designing and Making, applying the six areas of knowledge, namely Aesthetic, Technology, Craft, Graphic, Health and Safety, and Cultural and Historical Perspective. Technology is thus seen as a firm part of the CDT curriculum.