Woodturning for schools.

As you may be already aware the Ulster Chapter of the Irish Woodturners Guild have been involved in demonstrating and promoting woodturning in a number of schools over the last year or so.  Due to the success of this programme we have decided, along with members of the IWG, to provide some training for teachers in the safe use and operation of the wood turning lathe.  This course will run from 4-6 pm for 6 weeks, beginning on Wed the 12th January.  Due to limitations in space and equipment we are offering this training initially to those schools who have previously been involved in the woodturning roadshow.  A letter detailing more about this will have been emailed to the appropriate schools. 

IET Farady - STEM in practice

'The award-winning IET Faraday is a free resource for teachers from The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The programme provides an adaptable set of practical activities, based on designing, testing and developing to allow your students to apply knowledge and understanding in a meaningful way' -Farady website
In providing a range of resources and activities (including multimedia), the Farady website is well worth a look.  Not only does it provide inspiration and support for STEM activities, but also gives a framework for teachers and students in developing knowledge, skills and understanding about the world of Science and Technology. Click here for a gateway to the website.

More than just street cred - extended projects.

If you have a number of pupils who are involved in extended projects or activities outside timetable hours then why not turn their efforts into real credits - UCAS points.  The WJEC extended project qualification enables year 13 students to complete a project of their own choice (subject to approval from WJEC).  The outcome is in the form of a grade A*-E,  providing up to 70 points (equivalent to an AS - Level).  Projects can be individual or a group effort, providing each person in the group submit a report based on their personal contribution to the project. For further information on the WJEC qualification click here.  Sentinus have also been providing support for technology/engineering projects pairing schools with clients in providing a real life approach to R&D.  Contact martin.brown@sentinus.co.uk for more detail.

Turning it on in schools!

If you thought that woodturning was an art of yesteryear, think again.  Just as canvas plimsolls have made a comeback in the world of fashion, the art of woodturning has made somewhat of a similar renaissance in the craft world and indeed into education.  Eugene Grimley and Tom McCosh have been busy over the last couple of weeks providing a number of demonstrations to various schools in the SELB. This is a programme that has been re-run due to popular demand and as previous the Ulster Chapter of the woodturners guild are offering a number of free workshop places for 1 pupil in each school that they have worked in.  These workshops will take place on Saturday the 25th September in Armagh City Hotel.  The exhibition is open to the public and is a must for anyone interested in working with wood. Click here for further information if you are interested in turning in an appearance - and don't forget to wear your plimsolls!

Circular saw/ Bandsaw training

We have been very busy over the summer months getting organised for the new term, and in particular in relation to Health and Safety courses.  As a result we are able to offer the following H&S training:

• Circular saw/Bandsaw full 2 day course: Monday the 27th and Tuesday 28th September
• Circular saw/Bandsaw refresher training (Wadkin saws only): Wednesday the 29th September
• Circular saw/Bandsaw refresher training  (Felder saws only): Wednesday 6th or Thursday 7th October

If you would like to book a place on either of these courses please contact patricia.curran@selb.org. 

Technology HoD conference

The Clounagh Centre recently hosted a Technology and Design Conference.  If you were unable to make this course you can catchup on clounagh.org

Solidworks Technician Training

Solidworks Technician Training will be held in the Clounagh Centre on Thursday the 24th June.  If you require a place on this course then please contact sharon.mcclelland@selb.org