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Curious about how exam boards shape design and technology education? In this episode of Talking D&T, I sit down with Louise Attwood, Subject Support Lead for D&T at AQA. With eight years at the exam board and a background in teaching, Louise offers unique insights into the world of D&T qualifications.

We explore the intricate process of curriculum development and assessment, uncovering how AQA works with the Department for Education, Ofqual, and teachers to shape D&T education. Louise reveals the challenges of balancing content breadth with depth, and how recent reforms have impacted the subject.

A key takeaway is the importance of teacher involvement in qualification development. Louise shares multiple avenues for educators to contribute, from focus groups to feedback forms. We also discuss the delicate balance between political agendas and educational needs in curriculum design.

For D&T teachers in England and beyond, this episode offers valuable understanding of the forces shaping our subject. As you listen, consider how you might engage more actively in these processes. How could your experiences inform future curriculum changes?

Whether you're crafting lessons or influencing policy, this conversation will enrich your perspective on D&T education. Share your thoughts with colleagues and consider reaching out to exam boards or Ofqual with your insights.

Let's keep this important dialogue going! How will you contribute to shaping the future of D&T education?

Acknowledgement:
Some of the supplementary content for this episode was crafted with the assistance of Claude, an AI language model developed by Anthropic. While the core content is based on the actual conversation and my editorial direction, Claude helped in refining and structuring information. This collaborative approach allows me to provide you with concise, informative, and engaging content to complement each episode.

1. AQA
2. Department for Education (DfE) 
3. Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) 
4. Link to register interest in discussing the future of AQA D&T specifications
5. AQA Professional Development page

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