St Louis' Kilkeel Primary Technology Challenge

The annual Primary Technology Challenge was held in St Louis' Kilkeel on the 14th December 2010.  As usual this event was well attended by the local primary schools vying for title of Technology champions.  The task was to design and manufacture a flashing Christmas decoration from LED's and various materials.  Under the masterful organisation of Mr David Morgan and the beady eye of Damien the technician, they were ably assisted by the sixth form pupils who coached and mentored their partner school to produce a high quality outcome. This year's winners came from Carrick PS, followed by Kilkeel PS in second and St Colman's Kilkeel in third place.  Well done to everyone involved in keeping this worthwhile competition going.

Interested in starting a Technology Challenge in your school? Contact the Clounagh Centre for more information.

Free Technology Poster

In these dark times of a recession I thought you would appreciate a little freebie. Practical action are providing a free down-loadable timeline which would adorn any Technology environment.
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. This is why, for over 40 years, we have been working closely with some of the world’s poorest people using simple technology to fight poverty and transform their lives for the better.   They offer some great resources in teaching sustainability through Technology and Design, providing downloads, videos and presentations.  For your free poster download click here

Solidworks Student Design Kit - Licence update.

The licence for Solidworks Student Design Kit has now expired.  To continue to use this software you will need to follow the instructions displayed by clicking on this link.  Please note, this link is only available on the C2k network.

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!