Last updated: 18 May 2007

A: The aims of the national curriculum

For the subject leaders who responded, the aim best promoted by the PoS for design and technology is 'They enable pupils to develop the ability to solve problems'. Nearly nine out of 10 agree that the PoS 'helps build on pupils' strengths, interests and experiences', 'helps develop pupils' enjoyment of, and commitment to, learning' and 'helps promote the capacity to think rationally'. More than eight out of 10 schools agree that the PoS 'helps to promote enquiring minds' and 'helps give pupils the opportunity to be creative, innovative and enterprising'.

Although a majority of schools agree that the PoS 'helps pupils to develop principles for distinguishing between right and wrong', 'helps pupils to manage risk and cope with change and adversity', 'helps develop pupils' integrity and autonomy', 'helps secure pupils' commitment to sustainable development' and 'helps pupils to become responsible and active citizens', there were higher levels of disagreement or 'no opinion' for these aims.

Over 40 per cent disagree that the PoS 'helps to equip pupils for leadership' and about 20 per cent have no opinion for the aim 'They help pupils form and maintain worthwhile, satisfying relationships'.