CoolJools
Registered: 04/22/08
Posts: 3
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| | 04/22/08 at 06:22 PM | Reply with quote | #1 |
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We are converting a resistant materials area into a space to teach the Engineering Diploma from September and we would welcome advice.
It is a large area with the usual benches and machinery. We are removing a wall to add a cloakroom area and would get a sizeable space. We have an adjoining IT/graphic design suite. We are planning to extend our Systems and Control work from September.
Our school has got about £150K to set up the Engineering Diploma, which it has had elected from the Governors and from grants.
How should I design this area to make best use of space in relation to the Edexcel level 2 syllabus?
What resources and materials should we acquire over and above the usual stuff we have for this subject?
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Archimedes
Moderator
Registered: 02/22/08
Posts: 26
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| | 04/27/08 at 09:33 PM | Reply with quote | #2 |
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Thanks for this question CoolJools.
You appear to have the big advantage of a very supportive Governing Body and a very useful capital fund. I hope that other schools involved with the September 2008 start will be able to share their remodelling plans with you on this page.
For those without this level of direct funding I believe that the Building Schools for the Future programme will be making provision for accommodation for the Diplomas where the timing of the BSF wave matches the area consortia timeline for the development of Diplomas.
There is also consortia funding to support such developments and paid Industry placements for teachers to help get the Engineering Diploma off to a good start.
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Bingo1
Registered: 04/21/08
Posts: 4
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| | 04/28/08 at 01:28 PM | Reply with quote | #3 |
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Hi Cool Jules
I read with interest the article you have put on this site about your conversion of working space.
It is something that many schools will have to address , but I fear that many , even though they have the money to spend, still need to look closely at the CPD as well as the practical areas.
I note from the Inspire product that it is a hands on product as the LJ range is also, but as we developed the Diploma, this was considered not just as a diploma that was to be delivered in the classroom but one where the students have "real learning" in industry also.
The learning that needs to be transferred to the students is best as hands on , it gives the best retention , so I would encourage you to spend some of your monies on "industrial based" equipment related technologies as these are what the students will see when they visit a factory, and if they can then "make a product " in the classroom using some of the technologies that they can relate to then this is good use of your funds.
Clearly to ensure this is a good learning experience , the training that needs to happen for the teaching staff is, for me, the crucial area of development , and given that we have only a few months before it needs to be launched, there has to be a very structured approach as no one expects a D&T Teacher to become and engineer over night !
Your funds are well spent (if possible) on a good deal of CPD , that will, initially give you the ground experience you need, and then the work space can be developed around the staff who are to use it on a daily basis, a staged approach if you like , its a slower start I agree, but one which will provide longevity to the delivery with a greater level of confidence as opposed to having a room full of equipment that no one can use for 6 months.
Bingo 1
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Daren
Registered: 04/28/08
Posts: 3
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| | 04/30/08 at 11:46 AM | Reply with quote | #4 |
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Hi,
I totally agree about the Continuous Professional Development comment. We always make sure appropriate CPD units are included in any quotation we put forward. A lab full of engineering curriculum and equipment would be no use without the knowledge to use it. In addition, LJ Create is actively involved with several organisations that are carrying out specific teacher training for delivering the diploma courses. I was assisting in an engineering diploma training course yesterday in London. The feedback from all the teachers present was extremely positive. Our products are designed to be used in classroom exercises as part of the diploma course. They can be used along-side industry visits and teacher-prepared exercises. We aim to provide accurate scaled down versions of engineering hardware that demonstrate how the full-size ones work and multimedia assessed eLearning materials to explain the theory required. This gives the students a way of getting hands-on and safe experience of engineering machinery. In addition, we also have a vast range of software simulated equipment that can be used over the internet for satellite school learning or even home work. We work with the schools and partners to provide a solution for the diplomas. This will include elements from other vendors as well. Regards,
Daren
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longjohn
Registered: 07/14/08
Posts: 1
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| | 07/14/08 at 11:04 AM | Reply with quote | #5 |
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CoolJules. How on earth did you get that amount of startup money?
Here in Hull we are part of wave 2 of building schools for the future, but I think the money has all been allocated. No-one has mentioned Diplomas in the designs. The plans show a new Gym, a nice new entrance hall for the school, new head's study (of course!) and some new general teaching spaces, but we have the same old rooms and equipment for teaching D&T.
We are a successful department and would like to find out more about starting Engineering. We have a 14-19 partnership in Hull. I think they are planning for Engineering but I can't find out anything more about it.
Does anyone know what money is available?
__________________
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Mike
Registered: 02/23/08
Posts: 25
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| | 07/24/08 at 09:00 PM | Reply with quote | #6 |
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There is pressure upon local Partnerships for Schools to synchronise the 'Building Schools for the Future' developments to the new curriculum freedoms offered by QCA and to the Development of Diplomas.
For Wave 1 schools it is probably too late to make changes, but schools themselves should be pushing to target money on building the specialist areas that Diplomas will need.
The other big opportunity comes with Academies. This is the most significant source of funding (along with BSF) for remodelling areas for the specialist delivery of Diplomas. If you can, take a look at one set up to do Engineering - like the Gateway Academy in Thurrock - where the Engineering facilities are an inspiration and model for all schools planning to develop their teaching areas.
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kingjim
Registered: 09/21/08
Posts: 1
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| | 09/21/08 at 09:09 PM | Reply with quote | #7 |
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We are starting the Diploma with newly converted D& T workshops. We designed one large area as a series of modular spaces with glass to separate the IT/design suite from the main working areas. We have computer-controlled machinery in side rooms. It looks good and we have designed out some irritations we had to live with when it was a D&T workshop.
We had a fairly big chunk of funding that came by putting money from different sources together. I have had to spend it fast to stop it going elsewhere. The consortium stumped up some cash as we are the main centre for a group of local schools. The consortium staff have been really helpful in offering advice and organising training etc. There is still a lot that I need and I am not quite sure how it will be funded. There is some promise from the manufacturing companies in this area that we are working with, but we will wait and see what happens. My advice is to work really hard on raising the profile of Engineering in the school, take every photo opportunity, promise great results and the chances are it will happen and the money will appear...
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CoolJools
Registered: 04/22/08
Posts: 3
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| | 10/06/08 at 09:12 AM | Reply with quote | #8 |
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Thanks king jim. Our course is now running and we are working hard to keep up with all the jobs that need doing. Luckily the technician has got all the new stuff working, especially computers and new whiteboards. Lots of new software to get on top of, we could do with help in using some of it. We need more powerpoint presentations to structure the lessons but it is taking a long time. Anyone got any they can share? We should get it all sorted by next year! Matching what we have got to course requirements is the current task. The students are enjoying it and are not too much like guinea pigs thanks to staff efforts.
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