Is Design and Technology a 'numerate' subject?

[hairykrishna]

The OH is applying for a new job and the application form wants to know if she has a A level at B or above in a numerate subject. She only has a C in maths but an A in design and tech. Would people consider this a numerate subject? I told her to put 'yes' and defend it in an interview if necessary but she worries about such things...

[shirt]

in short, no.

[otolith]

She'll have to explain what it is, because I (and I guess many others) have no idea and would be inclined to assume that it is related to "Craft, Design & Technology", which is what "woodwork" was called when I was at school.

[hairykrishna]

It was basically the A level equivalent of a mechanical engineering degree as I understand it. She did some basic mechanics, module on pneumatics etc with a bit of electrical engineering thrown in.

[otolith]

Definitely needs to get that across then.

[shirt]

hairykrishna said:

It was basically the A level equivalent of a mechanical engineering degree as I understand it. She did some basic mechanics, module on pneumatics etc with a bit of electrical engineering thrown in.

how long ago was this? i did the same a level and it was nothing like this description.

[hairykrishna]

About 10 years ago. Maybe it varies depending on where you do it? Hers involved some fairly complex engineering. Her final project, which she had patented, was a machine to automate the dispensing of traffic cones off the back of a truck. It'd put some undergrad engineering projects to shame.

[shirt]

i'm sorry, but schools follow the national curriculum and i did it 10yrs ago as well. my final project was a bolt on suspension/kerb climbing system for standard nhs wheelchairs.

there was no numeracy at all, never had to back up a single thing with calcs and a lot of it was simply CDT turned up a notch and an intro to design/draughting skills [reason i did it].

i know i'm being vehement about it but i can't see how it could be talked up and i doubt an employer would either. worth a shot mind. fwiw i got an A in D&T and c's in maths/physics.

[hairykrishna]

I see your point and realise it'd take some blagging! Maybe it's safer if she just answers 'no' and tries to get across that she's got numerical skills if/when at interview. I just had a vague feeling that a 'no' answer might get her filtered early in the CV discarding process despite the fact that she is very numerate...

[shirt]

what's her other a level? physics, chemistry, or any other science will be fine.

stick yes, if she gets through the sift i doubt it will even be commented upon. i think i'd turn round and walk out if my school years were discussed at interview.

[hairykrishna]

Geography unfortunately although I suppose that's better than music or similar.

[monkey gland]

The fact they make a point of specifying this means that they won't be impressed by that sort of behaviour.

[hairykrishna]

She went for 'no' in the end.