Downgrading subject could lead to skills shortage

Buy photos » Studley's MP Nadhim Zahawi and Martyn Hale, chairman of Bromsgrove-based HME Technology, are shown some of the work produced at Studley High School’s design and technology department, by pupils Enola Stansbridge and Marcus Wheeler. (s)

DOWNGRADING the importance of design and technology in schools could make it harder for manufacturing companies across Redditch and the surrounding area to attract the skills they need.

Nick Baldwin, a D&T teacher at Studley High School, issued the warning after expressing 'great anxiety' about the Government's plans. As part of a review of the National Curriculum the subject could be sidelined as the focus switches to core academic subjects such as English, Maths and Science.

But Mr Baldwin said students who left the school at 16 were often picked up by local engineering firms for on the job training and continuing their education at college.

"Design and technology provides the capability for young people to move into skill-based and technical careers," he said.

"I very much believe in the importance of design and technology and this is supported by senior figures across industry. I feel particularly strongly because there are a lot of industrial employers in the Redditch area and we have a good relationship with many of them."

Mr Baldwin was speaking after a visit by Studley's MP Nadhim Zahawi organised by Martyn Hale, chairman of Bromsgrove based HME Technology and who is leading a campaign to reinstate the subject as a critical and compulsory part of the National Curriculum.

After being given a presentation on the issues Mr Zahawi pledged to raise the issue at Westminster.

The Government is expected to reveal which subjects have made the cut over the next few weeks with the changes set to be implemented in September 2014.

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