u/Barefoot-Bedouin

Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some insight from those working in top-tier international (British) schools, especially in Asia.
Background:
I’ve been teaching in international schools in Asia for 7+ years as a homeroom/primary teacher. About a year ago, I transitioned into a Primary STEAM & Natural Science role, and that’s where things really clicked for me — I’ve found myself genuinely enjoying the engineering and design side of teaching.
Because of that, I’m now studying an Open Degree with The Open University, focusing on Design Technology (engineering + computing pathway), with the goal of transitioning into secondary DT teaching.

My goal
To eventually work in a top-tier British international school in Asia teaching Design Technology (IGCSE / possibly A-Level or IB).

What I’d really like to understand
1. What do top schools ACTUALLY look for in DT teachers?
Beyond the basics (degree + QTS), what really makes a candidate stand out?
Strong engineering knowledge?
Portfolio of design projects?
Experience teaching exam classes (IGCSE/GCSE)?
Workshop / practical skills?

2. How big of a disadvantage is it that I haven’t taught the British curriculum yet?
I currently:
Teach STEAM
Have strong classroom experience
But no direct IGCSE/GCSE experience
How can I realistically bridge this gap?

3. Transitioning from Primary STEAM → Secondary DT
Has anyone made a similar move?
How did you position yourself?
What experience mattered most?
What would you do differently?

4. What combination is strongest?
From your experience, which combination is most competitive:
DT/Engineering degree + QTS
DT teaching experience
Portfolio (student projects / personal builds)
Curriculum experience (IGCSE/IB)
What should I prioritise over the next 2–3 years?

5. Portfolio question (very curious about this)
How important is it really?
Do schools expect to see your design work?
Or is teaching experience enough?

My current plan
Complete DT-focused degree (OU)
Transition into DT teaching role
Build a strong design/project portfolio
Work toward QTS (likely AO route)

Would really appreciate honest advice from those already in strong international schools — especially what separates a good DT teacher from a top-tier candidate.
Thanks in advance 🙏

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some insight from those working in top-tier international (British) schools, especially in Asia.

Background:
I’ve been teaching in international schools in Asia for 7+ years as a homeroom/primary teacher. About a year ago, I transitioned into a Primary STEAM & Natural Science role, and that’s where things really clicked for me — I’ve found myself genuinely enjoying the engineering and design side of teaching.

Because of that, I’m now studying an Open Degree with The Open University, focusing on Design Technology (engineering + computing pathway), with the goal of transitioning into secondary DT teaching.

---

# 🎯 My goal
To eventually work in a top-tier British international school in Asia teaching Design Technology (IGCSE / possibly A-Level or IB).

---

# ❓ What I’d really like to understand

### 1. What do top schools ACTUALLY look for in DT teachers?

Beyond the basics (degree + QTS), what really makes a candidate stand out?

- Strong engineering knowledge?
- Portfolio of design projects?
- Experience teaching exam classes (IGCSE/GCSE)?
- Workshop / practical skills?

---

### 2. How big of a disadvantage is it that I haven’t taught the British curriculum yet?

I currently:
- Teach STEAM
- Have strong classroom experience
- But no direct IGCSE/GCSE experience

👉 How can I realistically bridge this gap?

---

### 3. Transitioning from Primary STEAM → Secondary DT

Has anyone made a similar move?

- How did you position yourself?
- What experience mattered most?
- What would you do differently?

---

### 4. What combination is strongest?

From your experience, which combination is most competitive:

- DT/Engineering degree + QTS
- + DT teaching experience
- + Portfolio (student projects / personal builds)
- + Curriculum experience (IGCSE/IB)

👉 What should I prioritise over the next 2–3 years?

---

### 5. Portfolio question (very curious about this)

How important is it really?

- Do schools expect to see your design work?
- Or is teaching experience enough?

---

# 🧠 My current plan

- Complete DT-focused degree (OU)
- Transition into DT teaching role
- Build a strong design/project portfolio
- Work toward QTS (likely AO route)

---

Would really appreciate honest advice from those already in strong international schools — especially what separates a good DT teacher from a top-tier candidate.

Thanks in advance 🙏

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice from people who’ve done (or are doing) an Open Degree with The Open University, especially while working full time.

Background:
I’ve been a homeroom teacher in international schools for over 7 years, and about a year ago I moved into a primary STEAM & Natural Science role. Through that transition, I’ve realised I really enjoy the engineering side of things — designing, building, problem-solving with students, etc.

So I’ve decided to commit to a degree pathway focused on Design Technology (engineering + computing direction).

My situation:
- Working full time
- Around 3 teaching hours per day (out of an 8-hour day)
- Very little admin load

So I feel like I have time — but I want a realistic view before I dive in.

Stage 1 modules I’ve chosen (120 credits):
- Design practices (T190) – 60 credits
- Engineering: origins, methods, context (T192) – 30 credits
- Introduction to computing and IT (TM111) – 30 credits

Questions

1. Workload realism
   For those who’ve done OU full time (120 credits):

- Is this manageable alongside full-time work?
- How many hours per week did you actually spend studying?
- Is burnout a real risk at this level?

2. Module-specific advice
   If you’ve taken any of these:

- T190 (Design practices)
- T192 (Engineering: origins, methods, context)
- TM111 (Computing & IT)

What should I expect in terms of:
- Difficulty
- Time commitment
- Assessments (projects vs exams)

3. Study strategy
   - Is it better to study daily (1–2 hrs) or batch on weekends?
   - How strict are deadlines?
   - Any tips for staying consistent over the year?

4. Preparation
   Before starting, would you recommend:

- Brushing up on any maths?
- Learning basic CAD / coding?
- Or just starting fresh and learning as you go?

5. General OU experience
   - How responsive are tutors?
   - How important are forums / student interaction?
   - Anything you wish you knew before starting?

Long-term goal

I’m aiming to transition into Design Technology teaching (IGCSE/secondary level) over time, so I’m trying to build both subject knowledge and a solid portfolio.

Any advice — especially from people who balanced OU with full-time work — would really help.

Thanks in advance!