News

Subject Networking.

The D&T subject network event will be held at the Griffith Jones Centre on Thursday 28th June 07.

The agenda will include issues related to departmental management, 14-19 curriculum and details of some new CAD software.

A key feature of the event will be the KS3/4 Project Swap Shop - each delegate is invited to bring along a project which theu have recently introduced. the aim will be to share developments and ideas.

There will also be an input from C R Clarke on the Pictaflex system.

Further information on the use of AMDRO will be provided.

Graham.

CAD/CAM Conference.

I am delighted to invite you to our first South West Wales CAD/CAM conference, which will be held at the Halliwell Centre Carmarthen on 3^rd October 2007.

As a result of initiatives such as the introduction of the Pro/Desktop software and a growing awareness of how manufacturing can be enhanced by the use of CAM equipment, pupils are now demonstrating higher levels of skill in these areas of work. The aim of the conference will be to review the progress made and to establish the way forward for this important aspect within the design and technology curriculum during the next five to ten years. To this end, I hope that all D&T co-ordinators and members of their senior management teams will be able to attend as there will be resource implications related to developments in this area within schools.

In order to gain a clear understanding of the current position the keynote presentations will be given by leading experts in the development of CAD/CAM both within education and industry. There will also be opportunities for the exchange of good practice as well as sessions for delegates to see the latest techniques demonstrated.

During the past two years, a new CAD qualification has been developed in conjunction with City and Guilds and Technology Alliance Wales. The first cohorts have now completed the level one assessment and are working on level two. The conference will afford an opportunity for colleagues to discover how this initiative has been implemented and how the course can fit into the 14-19 learning pathways agenda.

You will also be aware of the services, which we have long been able to offer schools from our CAD/CAM Centre at St Clears. We have recently added further to the range of equipment, which can be accessed by schools. The conference will provide an opportunity to inform you of these developments and to discuss your particular needs.

I hope that you will agree that this conference is a timely development coming as it does in the run up to the introduction of the new curriculum orders and at a time when the development of skills at all levels are a high priority in Wales. I enclose a draft programme for the event along with details of how to register for the event. As we anticipate a high number of applicants for this event, an early response is recommended.

Should you require any further information regarding this initiative, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01994 231866.

I look forward to meeting you and to move this agenda forward.

Graham.

Wales Curriculum 2008

In the Skills section, Making has been subdivided into generic making skillsand those related to Food, Rigid and flexible materials (KS2), Resistant materials and textiles (KS3), and Systems and control.
Practical food preparation skills have been made compulsory at Key Stages2 and 3
Food and Rigid and flexible materials have been made compulsory at KeyStage 2.
Food and Resistant materials and textiles have been made compulsory at Key Stage 3. Systems and control remains compulsory.
Examples at Key Stages 2 and 3 in both the Skills and Range sections have been updated to reflect life in the twenty-first century.
More emphasis has been given to health and safety issues under Range at both key stages.A statement has been added to Range at both key stages to focus on issues of sustainability and responsibility for the environment.
Level descriptions have been revised in order to clarify progression.

Competitions and Events

Key Stages 1 & 2

3M Primary Innovation Awards

This award supports the National Curriculum and encourages children to think creatively and innovatively. Many schools in the Authority have entered the competition in recent years, showing Design and Make projects that have already been taking place in classrooms. Nantgaredig Primary School secured first place in 2003, producing an educational game that children designed and made to develop fine motor skills, environmental and social skills. Other schools have entered using a transitional project such as producing desk tidies; others still have utilised an eco-friendly theme and developed some interesting designs that have been produced and evaluated.

Further details of entry for 2006 can be obtained through the following means:

Download Project details from www.designandtechnology.co.ukand email to helena@williambattle.com
Telephone 01792 459805 / 646955
Write to: 3M Primary innovation Awards, William Battle Learning Ltd, FREEPOST,SS1082, Swansea SA1 3ZZ

ROBOCUP

This spring sees the first of Carmarthenshire’s entries of the “Robocup Junior” challenge. This is an introductory robotics competition that aims to encourage the next generation of roboteers. Robocup Junior introduces the students to robotics by providing different competitions. There are three tiers of entry, the simplest of which is the Robot Dance. Students have to build and program a robot that can “dance” to a piece of music of the students’ choice. This s aimed at students aged 7 –16.

This year for the first time, there will be four regional events in Wales. The winners of each regional final will be invited to the UK final on 29th March 2006 at Cranfield University.

The regional finals for the south west of Wales will be held at The Griffith ones Centre at 1.00pm on March 20th.

Further details of the competition are available on rcj.open.ac.uk