'Teaching Plans Are More Suited to 1940s Britain', Claims Professor; Academic Slams "Dumbed Down" Technology Lessons

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Byline: Nicola Weatherall? 0191 204 3308 ? nicola.weatherall@ncjmedia.co.uk

A PIONEERING academic from the North East has criticised Government plans to reform the national curriculum which would "dumb down" technology teaching.

Professor Stephanie Atkinson said the proposals for what children should be taught are more suited to 1940s Britain and is not challenging enough for 21st Century learning.

Prof Atkinson, who became the first female woodwork teacher in the UK during the 1960s, has condemned the Department for Education's proposals for design and technology, saying the reforms will leave pupils ill-prepared for the modern world of work and instead …