The Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) millennium research - a positive intervention to change the D&T curriculum

OfSTED reports published at the start of the millennium indicated significant weaknesses in the Key Stage 3 design and technology (D&T) curriculum. In 2002 HMI said: '- - the choice of project, with contexts that are pertinent to pupils’ experience, is crucial to successful learning in design and technology. Far too many projects are based on contexts that are seen as irrelevant or boring by pupils. Tasks need to encourage creative and innovative responses.' (OfSTED 2002b 7) The previous year's report highlighted possible reasons for this weakness. HMI said: ' - - many teachers are failing to keep up with new developments in the subject because there are few opportunities for appropriate INSET - - .' (OfSTED 2001c 5) The Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) has a remit to develop the D&T curriculum therefore it was appropriate they instigated a development programme to facilitate change in the Key Stage 3 curriculum. This became known as the TEP Millennium Project.