Solidworks - Student Design Kit now available

There have been a few technical issues but eventually we have it sorted!  We have downloaded the Solidworks Student Design kit and have DVD copies available for collection.  The DVD also contains instructions on how to put Solidworks on your machine, although an internet connection is required.  This student kit will allow your students to work from home and is compatible with the 2009/10 version that is currently on the C2k system.  Contact Paul or Martin if you would like a copy.

Bombardier announces the launch of the 2010 Flight Experience Challenge

Bombardier has announced the launch of the 2010 Flight Experience Challenge.  It will take place in W5 @ Odyssey, Belfast on Wednesday 28 April.  The competition challenges pupils to design, build and fly a self-propelled model aircraft.  

There are four catagories

Key Stage 2 Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4/6th Form Special Schools

The winners of each category will be treated to a VIP day at the Farnborough International Airshow on Friday 23 July 2010 and their schools will each receive £1000.

For further info click here

Bursaries for teacher professional development

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) has just announced a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Bursary funding programme available during 2010-11.

The funding will be made available to individual teachers wishing to undertake professional activities relating to the NI Curriculum. The programme has been running successfully for five years and as with previous bursary programmes an emphasis is being placed on teacher professional development relating to improvement in teaching and learning for pupils. 
 The Technology team at Clounagh would be more than happy to support anyone who would be interested in applying for a bursary with a Technology slant.
For full details of the bursary click here.

STEM project - Drawing to Learn

A number of primary and post-primary schools have been successful in applying for a place on the above mentioned STEM course.  We have some interesting developments regarding the whole area of sketching and drawing within a Technology and Design framework.  Keep an eye on clounagh.org in the coming weeks for some new material.

CCEA GCSE cluster

A number of Technology teachers have requested support in the form of cluster meetings for CCEA GCSE Technology and Design.  If you are interested in attending this meeting then please contact patricia.curran@selb.org The meeting is set to take place on Wednesday the 10th February at the Clounagh Centre from 1.30 - 3.30pm.

Health and safety update.

Your school will shortly recieve the new and updated CLEAPSS Resource CD.  If however for some reason your department has not received the CD, don't worry.  All resources are available online, all you need is a username and password (which can be obtained from the Clounagh Centre).  This resource contains a number of model documents which can be customised to suit your particular requirements. Included with the CD that was posted out is the latest bulletin from CLEAPSS, as well as a letter from the Clounagh Centre regarding recommendations from the HSE requiring log books and user manuals for all LEV systems.  To read the letter click here for a copy.

Solidworks 2009/2010

It's here!  The wait is finally over, Solidworks 2009/2010 has arrived.  C2K are currently working their way around schools installing the software which has many new features including DWG editor (which will allow you to open, edit and view any DWG file), an updated version of e-drawings as well as photoview 360°.  Photoview 360° is a very powerful add in which will allow the user to create incredibly  realistic rendered views.  C2k exchange will keep you up to date on the latest news surrounding the release, including how to access student kits for free.  To access the C2K exchange click on the icon on your desktop.