Why ‘Systems and Control’ Matters More Than Ever

It’s been nearly ten years since I made the choice to study D&T: Systems and Control at GCSE level, and I frequently find myself reflecting on how profoundly the subject influenced my comprehension of technology and the environment around me. Although I didn’t follow a career path directly connected to it, the insights and skills I acquired during that time have proven to be incredibly valuable throughout my life.

At its core, Systems and Control is about understanding how things work together. From simple machines to complex systems like factories, the subject explores how inputs are transformed into outputs. You’ll have the opportunity to design, etch, and assemble your own circuit board, as well as conceive a practical application for it. For instance, I created a retail shop display.

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Since finishing school and delving into hobbies that enhance the skills I acquired from S&C, I’ve noticed that I often hyper-focus on the finer details in everyday processes and systems. This tendency aligns with the philosophy of the late Bernard Stiegler, considered one of the most influential European philosophers of the 21st century. Stiegler emphasised that comprehending how things function is crucial for several reasons:

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• Empowerment. Understanding the inner workings of technologies can empower individuals to use them more effectively and critically.
• Control. Knowledge of technology can help us to maintain control over our technological environment rather than being controlled by it.
• Innovation. A deep understanding of technology is necessary for developing new and innovative applications.
• Critical Thinking. Deconstructing technologies can foster critical thinking and help us to challenge dominant narratives about technology.

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Stiegler’s approach to technology is particularly relevant in today’s world, where technological advancements are rapidly changing our lives. By understanding the cultural and historical dimensions of technology, we can make more informed decisions about its use and development.

Systems and Control is a field that explores the design, control, and optimisation of systems that can play a significant role in fostering a new generation of individuals who advocate for the right to repair. By understanding the underlying principles of various technologies, individuals can dispel the myth that repairing technology is too complex for the average person. I strongly remember the moment I got my PICKAXE-18 board working after hours of examining every solder joint and component, and how incredible it felt to know that I had the knowledge and skill to troubleshoot and diagnose issues on the board.

To put it simply, understanding technology helps empower consumers when it comes to making informed choices about the products they purchase and how they are maintained. A generation equipped with the knowledge acquired through S&C is a generation who can advocate for consumer rights on RTR, and challenge manufacturers who restrict it.

I decided to write this blog post due to the lasting effect the subject has had on myself. I have always been interested in taking things apart and fixing them, and S&C helped develop my skills in this area. The post is mainly to serve as a love letter to my favourite, and in my opinion undervalued, subject that captured me in it’s ability to help explain the inner workings of the world around us. From the moment you pick up a soldering iron, you become a part of a long tradition of inventors and tinkerers, tapping into the human instinct to understand and control our environment.

Since the D&T GCSE was reformed in 2017, merging all variants into one subject (excluding Food Tech), it’s disheartening to know that current and future students won’t experience the in-depth focus on electronics that I did. If any of my points in this post resonate with you, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the DfE, Ofqual & your local MP to advocate for the benefits that Systems & Control brought to many in the UK.