Castle College has announced significant new provision in Science and Engineering which will start in September 2011. The School of Science and Academic Progression will be introducing HNC and HND in Applied Science with routes in Biology and Chemistry.  It will also continue to develop its provision in Applied Science at levels 1 to 3 with specialist routes in Medical and Forensic Science as well as Access programmes in Science and Nursing.  GCE ‘A’ Level provision will focus on the College’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) expertise with programmes including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths.

Engineering will also be extending its range of courses with the introduction of an HNC in Automotive Engineering which will allow people already employed in the motor industry or students progressing from Level 3 to study part-time for two years and will incorporate the latest technologies involved in 21st century automotive engineering including hybrid and renewable technology.

From September 2011 students will also be able to enrol on one of two full-time Motorcycle Maintenance courses based at the Highfields Centre.  The Level 1 course will cover all the basic principles of motorcycle design, construction and operation of main components whilst the Level 2 option will explore the technical needs for today’s motorcycle industry and provide essential knowledge for service technicians working on motorcycles in all types of garages and dealerships. 

 Finally, the College will be entering the automotive heavyweight division with the introduction of Level 2 and Level 3 Heavy Goods Vehicle Repair courses.

 For more details about the new provision in Science and Engineering call 0845 845 0500 now.

 

Find out how a modern jet engine works – its key components, the materials used, how it is manufactured and the science behind how it works, hear from Rolls-Royce employees who work on those components, then test your knowledge in a short quiz. This new interactive resource from Rolls-Royce has been developed for use by 14-19 year old students to explain how the major parts of a modern gas turbine - jet engine - work. The resource is accompanied by extension activity notes that outline some classroom based activities related to the science of a gas turbine. Rolls-Royce is actively involved in a range of education projects and engaged with partners in the educational sector, to inspire young people with enthusiasm for science and technology because it can provide them with opportunities in their lives and is key to our future economic prosperity. At the company’s major sites around the world Rolls-Royce supports a range of education projects with many of our employees working with local schools to support young people.  For example, around 400 employees across the UK are STEM Ambassadors who undertake regular or one-off activities with schools to enthuse young people about the STEM subjects. The jet engine resource is at: http://www.rolls-royce.com/interactive_games/journey03/index.html  

Further information on Rolls-Royce support for education at: http://www.rolls-royce.com/education/

Nicola Swaney

The world of invention was brought to life in Derby Westfield Centre last month through exciting, hands-on activities and demonstrations such as a motorised steam armchair and model building. Throughout November and December a series of weekend events were held across the country to support BBC One’s ‘Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention’. STEM Ambassadors were recruited to support the event and to share their passion for their subjects. 

Derby teenagers Charlie and James said: "We're in year 9 at school and picking our GCSE options soon and it's definitely made me want to take more science and engineering subjects because I've really enjoyed today and possibly do it as a job.” Parents and Grandparents alike also had a great day and praised the Roadshows for the ways in which they encouraged young people to engage with STEM activities. Paul Jonson from Derby has twin daughters who are 13 years old: "I thank you for hopefully stimulating the imaginations and curiosity of the many children who attended your road show this weekend. Keep up the wonderful work.”

Forty senior leaders from schools and colleges in the East Midlands heard powerful messages about how progression through STEM subjects can help raise students’ attainment and open up a wide range of career opportunities. They attended the Regional Conference for Headteachers and Principals at Rolls-Royce in Derby on 9th November. The theme of ‘Driving success through STEM’ was supported by presentations from the National STEM Centre, Rolls-Royce, and Headteachers and Principals who talked very persuasively about the importance of STEM in their own institutions.

This was the second such regional conference organised by the National STEM Centre (the first was in London in June). The organisation and delivery of the event was supported by Rolls-Royce, STEMNET, NCETM and the Science Learning Centre East Midlands. The event was also supported by two STEM Ambassadors who talked about their career background, their role and what support they can offer schools.

 

Nicola Swaney, Education Manager, Rolls-Royce plc

 

The SWAN Rural Enterprise Centre, a Community Interest Company (CIC), located on Pury Hill Business Park fought off strong competition to winning Enterprising Business of the Year at the prestigious Business Excellence Awards in Daventry. The centre was able to meet the criteria of the award as an organisation which embraces an 'enterprising culture' and can provide results of successes due to a positive attitude towards 'enterprise'. In the space of just over a year has seen the (South and West Northamptonshire) SWAN partnership develop and launch the SWAN Rural Enterprise Centre as a Community Interest Company.   This journey started back at the end of October 2009 when the partnership successfully bid for funding through the “Catapulting Kids Further” initiative funded by the East Midlands Development Agency. The original funding was to fit a professional chef’s kitchen in an off site school premises which would offer training and real work experiences to students which match the rural economy in this part of the county.  Working with a range of partners the kitchen was fitted into premises on a rural business park and now boasts a professional kitchen, The Cygnets Bistro and Enterprise Room. For more information about the SWAN Rural Enterprise Centre and what it is offering to local schools, businesses and the community visit their web site http://www.swancic.co.uk

Heather Payne

Courtesy of GKN, Sophie Jones, an engineering student at Loughborough Uni, and an Ignition* Creative Spark, is investigating green manufacturing and CSR in Brazil
(that's corporate social responsibility of course, not comprehensive spending review)

her blog is here

http://sophieignitesherfuture.wordpress.com/

Courtesy of GKN, Sophie Jones, an engineering student at Loughborough Uni, and an Ignition* Creative Spark, is investigating green manufacturing and CSR in Brazil
(that's corporate social responsibility of course, not comprehensive spending review)

her blog is here

http://sophieignitesherfuture.wordpress.com/

This was a most incredible experience. I came away empowered, energized, and even more deeply committed to integrating creative thinking in education. It was inspiring to be led through creative thinking in a variety of disciplines such as art, drama, and science, then be able to apply this creative inspiration to solving a problem. Will be using these strategies and inspirations in our work in the US. Thank you for such a powerful experience.

www.ignitefutures.org.uk/ignition/blog 

Children from The Grove Primary School in Melton Mowbray ‘clocked in’ at Carlton Laser Services factory in Leicester to investigate the role of the engineer recently. Dennis Kent, a STEM Ambassador and former owner of the company and his team invited 30 pupils aged 9-11 to become engineers for the day.  After a health and safety briefing the children followed the production process from taking an order over the phone, producing an estimate, designing parts on the computer, watching them being laser cut or punched out of steel and bent, welded and packed ready for the delivery. They learnt how, with the use of computer controlled robots, the company can produce goods 24 hours day, 7 days a week. 

After looking around the factory floor the children had an opportunity to quiz members of staff to find out how they became engineers, the importance of good customer service and how important each member of the team is to a successful company. The children were given a personalised clock made from sheet steel in the factory as a reminder of their visit. Elle, a Year 6 pupil, said, “It was fun and exciting.  Mohan taught us all about engineering and I thought the staff were very clever.”  

www.leics-ebc.org.uk

Congratulations to the University of Northampton on scooping the prestigious national WISE Award for Outreach 2010; and in particular to Tricia Goodchild, Champion for Girls into Engineering at the University.  Working with Senior Lecturers in Engineering, Computing and Environmental Science Tricia is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to encouraging girls to consider careers in engineering.  She is instrumental in putting together an exciting programme of events to engage with primary and secondary pupils, parents and teachers. “Successful female role models are the key to dispelling the myths surrounding girls in engineering and that they can consider wider options”, said Tricia.   Tricia was recently presented with the award by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, the Royal Patron of WISE (Women into Science, Engineering and Construction).  See pictures and read more about WISE here: http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/parents_and_teachers/wise_awards.cfm