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!

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

Technology and Design Conference 2010

Mark your diary for the 17th June.  Yes, it's the annual Technology conference at the Clounagh Centre.  We have a number of workshops on the day including a Techsoft masterclass, ICT tools to enhance teaching and learning in T&D as well as demonstrations of various CNC equipment. Formal inivites will be sent out to schools shortly.

Circular saw/bandsaw refresher training survey.

We are currently carrying out a survey to ascertain those teachers and technicians who require refresher training in the safe use and operation of the circular saw/bandsaw. If you require this training then please complete the survey in the attached link below. Circular saw/bandsaw survey.

Solidworks Refresher Training.

The Clounagh Centre are offering training for Solidworks 2009/10 version.  This training will take place on the 10th and 11th May.  There will be an option for full training for beginner users, or half day training for those already familiar with the basics of Solidworks.  If you want to find out more please contact patricia.curran@selb.org.

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.