Big headlines were made this week after the government announced that it would be reversing its decision to create the controversial English Baccalaureate. However, there is still a worry that design’s status is being undermined in the upcoming new National Curriculum.

As it stands, both Art & Design and Design & Technology are required to remain on the National Curriculum through to Key Stage Three, though critics have claimed that the newly-proposed study programmes are not good enough for future students.

Design Week noted how the Design & Technology Association, which offered recommendations on teaching its subject to education secretary Michael Gove, said: “[We] believe that the draft programme of study […] would seriously undermine 20 years of development in the subject.”

Backing them up is famous entrepreneur Sir James Dyson, who also supported the association’s stance in an interview with The Times. He said: “This new curriculum will not inspire the invention and engineers Britain so desperately needs. The academic rigour Mr Gove demanded in other core subjects is missing in D&T.”

Criticising the broader elements of the new programme, he continued: “Life skills such as how to grill a tomato and what to do if your bike chain falls off take pride of place. Gardening has become a key component in a subject that should contextualise science and maths in a practical format.”