Drawing your attention

A new sketching resource has been added to clounagh.org. This sketching booklet has been developed with the aim to improve the sketching skills of pupils. This booklet builds upon those skills used in sketching booklet 1, improving techniques and learning how to draw some technological devices.

Circular saw/Bandsaw training

As you are all well aware any teacher or technician working in a Technology environment must hold the approprite qualifications in order to operate the circular saw and bandsaw. In conjuction with human resources in SELB HQ we are pleased to be able to offer a 2 day full training course in the safe use of the above mentioned equipment. Letters of invite have been sent out to all schools for this training which will take place on the 26th November and the 3rd December. However if you have not received a letter or feel that there is someone in your department who requires this particular training then please contact sharon.mcclelland@selb.org.

Solidworks Refresher Training

The Clounagh Centre will be hosting 2 afternoon sessions for Solidworks refresher training on Monday the 1st and 15th of December. This course is best suited for those who have yet to develop Solidworks within their technology environment, as most of the course will focus on simple drawing tasks best suited for KS3/4. The course will begin at 1pm and finish at 3.30 on both days. It is important to note that attendance on both days is essential. If you would like to reserve a place please contact Patricia.curran@selb.org.

Low cost magnets - beat the credit crunch

Just a quick thing that we picked up at the Clounagh Centre regarding rare earth magnets. MUTR are offering 5mm x 2mm magnets at a special price. A number of people are starting to use these circular magnets for various projects. So if you want to stock up, this might just attract you. Click here for info.

Photostory Workshop

As part of our ongoing support for T&D teachers the Technology team at Clounagh are pleased to announce another ICT workshop. On the 11th November we will be hosting an afternoon session on using photostory in Technology and Design. The session will begin at 1.30 and finish at 3.30, with tea provided beforehand. Photostory is a digital way to show and tell your story using digital images. Just think about the potential of pupils evaluating their product digitally, explaining the functionality of their favourite gadget or describing a manufacturing process using digital images, narration or even music. The good news is photostory is free and can be downloaded from the microsoft website. To find out more about photostory and what it can do click here
To reserve a place on this course e-mail patricia.curran @selb.org.

Edexcel A-Level discussion forum

A number of people have been enquiring for information on the latest spec changes within Edexcel A-Level . There is some information on the edexcel website which is helpful. However there seems to be a mood of teacher to teacher enquiry out there. In order to facilitate this I have setup a discussion forum on www.clounagh.org, this is to allow teachers of this spec to discuss and share ideas. If you are interested in participating in this discussion please contact martin.daly@selb.org.

YACAPACA - beginner clinic

Following on from day AOL2 in term 2 of the last academic year (07-08), we have noted some degree of success with YACAPACA in a number of schools. Let me refresh. YACAPACA is an online tool that allows you to create online quizzes, tests, surveys and more. Assessments can be shared, marked automatically and analysed by teachers and pupils to improve performance and learning. A few schools have already dipped their toe into the water and the feedback has been quite resounding to say the least. If you are interested in finding out more about YACAPACA and how it can enhance the learning in your T&D department then you might be interested in attending the starter session on Monday the 20th October, from 1.30 -3.30. Places are limited to 15 and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. To reserve a place please contact patricia.curran@selb.org.