[Design and Technology] RE: 4.4.5.2

[Tran, Lorraine I]

Richard
 
I agree that it would be useful if more teachers voiced their concerns via this list. The issues arising from 4.4.5.2 were discussed at the DATAA Vic meeting on Wednesday evening, and David Fletcher, the Secretary of DATTA Vic has written and sent a response yesterday to Paul O'Halloran and others in DEECD. David has received a response from Paul, and I will send his email to the list once I have gained his permission. In his email, Paul states a willingness to review the draft in light of feedback. Paul also states that 

'DEECD needs to move forward with a system that keeps kids safe while achieving educational outcomes.

The current approach is resulting in too many recurrences of serious injury - too often because of inadequate supervision, unsafe systems and operator incompetency.'

 
If there are others who are concerned about 4.4.5.2., I am willing to co-ordinate a face-to-face meeting with Paul and others in DEECD - also with DATTA Vic representation. 
 
As for curriculum changes you refer to - safety and design have been part of Technology curriculum since the early 90's. We must ensure as educators that we are providing an engaging, contemporary curriculum that adheres to safety requirements for our students. As I see it, this is an evolutionary process, rather than a complete 'redo'.
 
Regards, Lorraine.
 
Lorraine Tran
Curriculum Manager, P - 12 Design and Technology
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
41 St Andrews Place
East Melbourne   3002
 
Telephone (03)9651 4407
Mobile 041 933 1630
Email tran.lorraine.i at edumail.vic.gov.au
 

________________________________

From: destech-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Bazeley
Sent: Sat 19/07/2008 12:23 AM
To: 'Design and Technology Teachers' Mailing List'
Subject: RE: [Design and Technology] Quotes for Dust Extraction Systems



Paul,

I posted a comment on this topic before the holidays. Response - nil. The topic of safety in technology areas appears to be too political for people to discuss or this is not the forum to express opinions.

Who are "the  powers" that will listen?  Is there really someone out there willing to take responsibility for the mess we are now in?

The DEECD is at least 4 to 5 years behind NSW in this area. NSW were making recommendations like this back in 2003.

I realize that anger will not help but I feel very powerless to do anything about the situation and I feel that a response to the 4.4.5.2.1 would not change my situation.

I am doing everything that I can to meet the requirements of the verification process through Noel Arnold and Assoc and this has greatly increased my workload. Yet still at the end of the year I will have to go cap in hand to the principal and ask for funding for next year. 

We are being asked to take on more responsibility but I am not convinced that the support that is provided is adequate. I have completed VBQU619 but the cost of all our Technology staff doing this training is too great.

Finally I find it ironic that the last 10 to 15 years has been spent developing curriculum for design education and now we are being asked to redo the curriculum and include more safety training. What have we been doing for all those years? 

Richard Bazeley

St.Arnaud

 

 

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