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In this thought-provoking episode of Talking D&T, I dive into the controversial topic of assessment in design and technology education, particularly focusing on the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) at GCSE level in England. Drawing from my recent conversation with Louise and ongoing discussions in the field, I challenge the status quo and present what some might consider a radical view: that the current NEA structure may be wasting precious teaching time.

I explore the potential for shorter, more effective assessments, backed by research dating back to the late 80s and international practices. Highlighting the curriculum and assessment review led by Professor Becky Francis, I discuss the opportunity to revolutionize how we evaluate D&T capability.

Key points include:

1. Questioning the time allocated to NEAs in our already tight timetables
2. Examining alternative assessment methods that could better capture students' skills
3. The importance of clearly defined curriculum objectives in exam specifications

For D&T educators, this episode offers a fresh perspective on assessment practices and curriculum design. How might reducing formal assessment time impact your teaching and students' learning? Could we achieve more meaningful evaluations with less time?

Whether you're based in England or part of our growing international audience, this conversation encourages us to rethink our approach to D&T education. How can we ensure our assessments truly reflect the aims of D&T while maximizing learning time?

Let's keep this important dialogue going! Share your thoughts with colleagues and join the conversation about shaping the future of D&T assessment.

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