Btec courses

The Design Technology department are introducing two new courses in September 2009. These are Btec Construction and Btec Cad/Cam. These courses are the equivalent of two GCSE's. This is an exciting opportunity for the department to tryout new diploma type courses concentrating on
subjects that are popular in the Technology industry.

The Btecs will be taught over a two year period. There is no formal examination at the end of the courses. All work produced over the two years will go towards a Btec certificate at the end of the course.

Btecs are a great choice for people who want to specialise in a particular area and have an interest in the Technology industry. Btecs are very popular in colleges and they are an impressive qualification recognised by universities.

Teachers Are Learners Too!

Well done to Mrs Angela Hunt who has passed the first yearof her M.A. in Design and Technology Education. The first year is designed to help course participants achieve two qualifications: the PG.Cert in Managing School Design and Technology, and the Design and Technology Association Subject Leadership Qualification. In the second year, Mrs Hunt will work towards a PG. Diploma in DT education and then the third year allows the M.A. to be awarded, if successful. The course reflects the dynamic and rapidly changing Design and Technology curriculum in schools. The work done in the Design and Technology department at Hall Mead is used as a major source of information for research and development. The course also provides opportunities for collaboration between course members working in different schools. It also helps with developing generic and specific management skills and updates subject knowledge. The course covers: developing CAD/CAM in the Design and Technology curriculum; managing the Design and technology curriculum; developing electronics, E-Learning and sustainable design in the Design and Technology curriculum. There are also research methodologies in Design and Technology and an open Design and Technology research project to complete.

Ford News

As a further Link with the DT Dept; a Group of staff and apprentices from Fords visted the school on 30th April to talk to year 10 and 11 students about opportunities for Engineering apprenticeships at Fords. As a result of a similar talk last year three Year 11 students were successful in their applications and are nearly through the first year of the course.

Former students Kerri Sayers, Perry Bignell and Matthew Labbett are picured with Mr Scott Lister and Mr Smith after the Visit

THE FORD BRITAIN TRUST AWARD

During the last two years Hall Mead School Design and Technology Department has made some exciting links with the Ford Motor Company. This has culminated in The Ford Britain Trust awarding a grant of £4,000 to develop technology within the School still further following a visit last month. Scott Lister who is an employee of Ford is a School Governor who contributes to the strategic development of the School. He is the Link Governor with the Technology Department.

Scott and ex-student Suzanne Fargeot spoke to Year 11 students in January about the Ford Apprentice Scheme and as a direct result of this 3 students were accepted onto the scheme in September. The students were Perry Bignell, Matthew Labett and Kerrie Sayers (who was the first girl to be accepted on the scheme for 5 years).

The Grant will go towards buying a new Laser Cutter for the department that will develop the CAD/CAM course that is being taught throughout the school.

A visit to the Dunton Technology Centre is planned for staff and students in the New Year. Employees from Dunton will also be involved advising on schemes of work for our Computer Aided Design Course. Hall Mead hopes to continue further links in the future with Ford and is grateful for the generous award The Ford Britain Trust has made.

The Ford Britain Trust was set up in 1975 for the advancement of education and charitable activities beneficial to the community. In making grants, the Trustees pay particular attention to organisations located in areas where Ford Motor Company Limited has a long standing association due to the location of its plants. Particular consideration is given to organisations and projects which support the principles embodied in the company’s policies on diversity. For more information about the Trust visit www.ford.co.ukuk/fbtrust.

London Chartered Teacher Status

Mr Cotier, Mr Smith and Mr Woodburn have been awarded London Chartered Teacher Status. This prestiguos award has been given to them for their work with London Children during their careers in a member of Londond Schools

Congratulations to them from Hall Mead School