Samsung Electronics Co. (UK) Ltd has called for the way Design and Technology is taught in schools to be refreshed. Without this change, there is a fear the UK’s pipeline of diverse talent with the skills for future inventions is at risk.
In a letter to the Government, supported by both The Design Council and The Design and Technology Association, the technology company highlighted the risk of Design and Technology becoming non-existent in the next decade. To enable a new generation of young innovators, there is willingness from Samsung to provide support and expertise to future conversations on curriculum changes to how D&T is taught to young people.
New research out today, commissioned by Samsung found less than half* (44%) of 13-19 year olds that the current D&T curriculum prepares them for the future of technology. Meanwhile, almost a quarter (23%) believe that Design and Technology lessons haven’t given them sufficient skills to make a change in the world using technology.
A report by The Design Council and The Design and Technology Association also revealed that a fifth (20%) of schools in England and Wales do not teach Design and Technology at all. The number of pupils taking the subject at GCSE level has also fallen by 68% in the last decade, leading to Samsung partnering with The Design Council and Design and Technology Association to urge for this necessary education review.
The impact of this is fewer young people being able to solve societal issues, including those centred around the environment, due to them not being equipped with the necessary skills.
In the letter, Samsung, alongside The Design Council and The Design and Technology Association, calls upon the Government to consider five key elements of change:
- Evolve D&T lessons to have design thinking and innovation at the forefront through practical projects – Samsung’s research showing that 71% of young people would like to be offered a course in school to develop their own inventions
- Future-proofing the Curriculum by ensuring latest technologies such as AI are being formally integrated into the Curriculum, in the context of real-world technology applications
- Ensure young people’s voices are heard and reflected in understanding their current challenges and in any future decision-making process
- Training more teachers in Design & Technology to enable young people in all schools to access quality D&T education and access to tools / resources
- Adopt a more holistic approach to teaching technology and digital skills in schools by connecting the Design & Technology curriculum with Computing Education
To help aid a curriculum refresh, Samsung has also invited Government ministers and stakeholders to its youth forum, a forum led by the thoughts of young people currently in, or who have recently left, the education system – supported by The Design Council and The Design and Technology Association. The forum allows young people to share their experiences, ambitions and discuss how the education system can help them achieve their goals. This follows it responding to the Government’s call for evidence as part of the Curriculum Review.
These young voices are currently being discovered and amplified through Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow programme. The competition, which is now in its fifth year, invites 16–25-year-olds to come up with tech solutions that help solve societal challenges. Winners of the competition are supported by Samsung in bringing their ideas to life through free educational workshops, mentoring, funding and support – with one of the key points of entry being Design and Technology classes in schools.
Young people across the country can visit the Solve for Tomorrow website for more information, and enter here until Sunday 12th January 2025. The full letter is also available to read on our website.
Rachel Moriarty, Director of Skills at the Design Council, also stated: “We must inspire and equip the next generation of designers if we are to solve societal issues in the future. Particularly around environmental issues, design is a core green skill. This includes both ‘frontline’ design skills of using and re-using natural resources more efficiently, but also ‘hearts and minds’ design skills such as making regenerative lifestyles the more attractive option. The Design Council has launched an ambitious mission to upskill 1 million designers in green design skills by 2030, and this mission starts in schools. We welcome a comprehensive review of the D&T curriculum to ensure that we have the crucial skills that will drive our economy and protect our planet for the future.”
Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of the Design and Technology Association, further commented:
“Design and technology focuses on problem-solving, innovation and creativity to provide thoughtfully designed products, systems, and services to suit an increasingly complex world. Our subject seeks to produce well-informed and eternally curious young people who will learn how they can leave the earth in a more positive place than they found it. It’s vital that if we’re going to solve issues in the future, we’re giving our young people the tools to do it today”.
