Alison Hardy
Hi, I’m Dr Alison Hardy, Associate Professor at Nottingham Trent University. I have been an advocate of design and technology education since I began my first degree in 1988. I began my life as a D&T educator at the same time as the National Curriculum for England was beginning, so you could say we grew into D&T together. I've seen and been involved in the ups and downs of D&T's progress and status in secondary schools.
I believe that D&T is a right for all young people, at least to the age of 14 (feel free to disagree with me here!), but its nature, value and form is contested and causes disagreement both in and outside the D&T community.
Alongside talking, researching and writing about D&T, I support D&T teachers at every stage of their careers. I coach heads of department, teach early career teachers and support teachers in developing their D&T practice.