Technology HoD Cluster

For those who were unable to attend the HoD cluster on the 16th June, here is a synopsis of what took place.

Jim Neale from New Wave Concepts (the people behind PCB WIZ, Livewire, Control Studio) demonstrated the new version of circuit wizard. I cannot explain in words how incredible or powerful this piece of software is. All I can say that in this is now the one stop shop for any electronics design, programming or simulation. For more information go to and watch their website for updates in September.

There was also some very valuable input from both Lismore comprehensive and Clounagh JHS. Lismore gave a very interesting presentation on integrating CAD/CAM into the classroom, by providing working examples and information on CAD/CAM developments. Clounagh JHS provided an interesting session on their website which we have previously featured on this blog. The Clounagh centre would like to take this opportunity to thank both schools for their valuable input on the day.

These sticks are made for walking ...

We all hope it will be a long time before we actually need a walking stick. However for those country rambles, herding cattle or dare I say it 'Anti Burglar device' we all at some time have had a walking stick in our hand. Lismore comprehensive have taken this idea to the classroom where they have had great success in a project which requires the pupils to create a walking stick. The pupils are involved in researching the types of trees and particular branches that have the potential for making a good stick. This involves a field trip which helps them identify the necessary factors required to manufacture the project. Under the guidance and knowledge of Mr Art O'Neill (HoD) the pupils manipulate their raw stick into a finished product. There are a number of processes and cross curricular links involved in this project which can provide numerours learning outcomes for pupils. If you would like to find out more about these works of 'Art' please contact us at the Clounagh Centre or contact Art O'Neill at Lismore.

Dates to Remember

We all have the date of the 1st July etched in our minds at this time of year, however please keep a knot in your hankie for the following days.

Thursday 5th June - 1.30-3.30 - Google pages workshop (limited places)
Monday 16th June - 1.30-3.30 - HOD/Technology co-ordinator Cluster Meeting
Both clusters will take place in the Clounagh Centre. Contact Martin or Patricia Curran for more details.

Safety Visors - Road Test

The Clounagh Centre have recently purchased a number of different safety visors for trial purposes. If you are thinking of replacing or reviewing your safety provision within your workshop, then you are more than welcome to view the various types of visors on display in the Clounagh Centre. Contact Paul or Martin for more information.

CNC equipment

The Clounagh Centre in recent months have been able to provide CNC access for a number of schools. We are pleased to announce that we have been able to secure more of the same equipment for long term loan. If you do not already have CNC provision and are interested in integrating CAD/CAM into your school then please contact Martin Daly at the Clounagh Centre.

Clounagh Junior High School T&D website

From AoL training day 2 we gave examples of some good practice in terms of the creative use of ICT in T&D. The Technology team at Clounagh Junior High School have used some of the ideas exhibited on the day and have produced their own excellent website http://clounaghtechnology.wordpress.com/ This is a really well designed and informative website which can be accessed by pupils to help scaffold their learning and understanding of Technology concepts. The website even translates with one click of a button into several other languages, providing access for foreign national pupils - Voila! If you are interested in setting up something like this for your Technology department please contact a member of the Technology team at Clounagh.

Circular saw /bandsaw full training

If you have been recently appointed as a technician or if there is someone in your department who has recently been appointed to this post and does not have the proper circular saw/bandsaw qualifications then please note that an opportunity to achieve this qualification will be coming up soon. Full training will be available on the 23rd and 24th of April at the Clounagh Centre. The instructor for this course will be Mr John Hill. Contact Mairead Morgan for further information.