Technology in Britain鈥檚 National Curriculum 鈥榠s a mess鈥�, according to
a report published this week by the Engineering Council.
The National Curriculum is being introduced to ensure that all school
pupils study a basic syllabus. But the council鈥檚 report says that the scope
of 鈥榯echnology鈥� has widened since the idea of a curriculum was introduced.
It now includes subjects such as home economics and business studies.
As a result there have been problems in deciding what the school tests,
designed to monitor pupils鈥� progress, should cover. The report calls for
a tighter definition of technology and says pupils should be learning about
designing and manufacturing products. The report also slams declining technology
standards in secondary schools during the past two years.
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But the report concedes: 鈥楤ritain is the first country to make technology
. . . compulsory . . . for all pupils aged 5 to 16. It is a pioneering venture
and not everything can be expected to go smoothly.
