New report led by the IET calls for the government to embed engineering into the current curriculum
Published: Wed 7 Dec 2022
Published: Wed 7 Dec 2022
The report, which has the backing from the likes of Major Tim Peake, Carol Vorderman MBE, will.i.am and representatives from Rolls Royce, Vodafone and the Ministry of Defence, includes recommendations to the UK government to embed engineering in the current curriculum.
The recommendations included within the report include:
The report is supported by new IET research which found that 70% of parents believe primary and secondary education doesn’t teach children about the real-life application of the subjects they learn about.
The research also found that:
David Lakin, IET Head of Education, Safeguarding & Education Policy, said: “As we know, subjects like science and maths are eagerly taught in schools, but connecting them to engineering – the link between these subjects, their purpose and application to the world in which we live – is not currently being made clear.
“We need to ensure there are clearer learning outcomes for these subjects. Put simply, we need to embed engineering into the mainstream curriculum. One way we can do this is by reviewing the current D&T curriculum, which is a key engineering and technology gateway subject, and give it more importance in the EBacc suite of subjects.
Teacher training is also a key factor, and providing an engineering package aligned with the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework is vital to enhance a teacher’s understanding and confidence around talking about engineering in the classroom.
“There are many options, and the engineering community is ready to help develop and implement these to support government in implementing these recommendations. Our aim to significantly increase the number of quality engineers and technicians entering the workforce can only be achieved by letting young people see the opportunities that a career in the engineering sector presents.”
The report is being presented to MPs and Peers at an event in Westminster on Wednesday 7 December 2022.