Equipment demand changes in the UK technology national curriculum

The introduction of the UK National Curriculum in Technology produced many changes of emphasis, including that concerned with the type of work to be done in the area formerly designated as CDT. Some schools interpreted this as a reduction in the range of equipment required for delivery of the CDT craft skills content. A detailed survey of 16 schools in the Greater Manchester conurbation revealed the sell- off of equipment by some schools, shortages reported by others and a general imbalance of provision of some items of equipment for the delivery of the Technology National Curriculum. The observations flag warnings for curriculum changes in the allocation of teaching spaces, on specific equipment for curriculum delivery and on increases in the number of pupils compulsorily following a new scheme of work.