W: edtechnology.co.uk | T: @Educ_Technology


EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY | NEWS | 17


3D printing for Watford Grammar ET


Watford Grammar School for Girls got to trial 3D printing for a day, the first prize for winning a design competition held by WIRED Magazine. The Stratasys uPrint SE 3D Printer


enabled the students to experience the future of design and manufacturing, while echoing a recent UK government pledge for 3D printing to feature within the school curriculum. The competition saw the eight


winning students receive a hands-on demonstration of the capabilities of 3D printing, before each produced personalised iPhone cases. “We are absolutely delighted to


introduce 3D printing to these students, empowering them to be creative and showing them how great ideas can be made a reality,” said Andy Middleton,


Senior Vice President and General Manager EMEA at Stratasys. “Personalisation, in particular, is


something that we believe reflects the future of manufacturing. 3D printing customised phone cases is just one example of how this technology enables us to effectively produce one- off, customised products that fit the requirements of the individual.” The 3D printing workshop at Watford


Grammar follows a recent pledge from the UK Education Secretary, Michael


Gove, to introduce a 3D printer in every school. According to Middleton, events like the workshop give those involved an insight into the ‘school of tomorrow’ where 3D printers will be as commonplace as inkjet variants or photocopiers, and where students will have the tools available to design and manufacture at an early age. “Educating the next generation of


designers and engineers has been a big part of our ethos here at Stratasys for many years now. We are proud to support these students and to stimulate awareness of 3D printing within STEM programmes. We believe students should be exposed to the same cuting-edge technologies they will encounter in their careers, ultimately giving them a platform to succeed,” added Middleton.


KIDS PLAYLIVE TO IMPROVE FRENCH


EducationCity has launched an interactive quiz to support primary schools teaching new, mandatory foreign languages. PlayLive French tests Key


Stage 2 pupils’ knowledge of French language and culture within a timed, competitive environment. From September 2014,


foreign languages will be compulsory at Key Stage 2 and PlayLive French is designed to support pupils and teachers through this change. Robin Ball, Head of


Content and Curriculum at EducationCity, said: “We welcome the DfE directive


to make foreign languages mandatory at Key Stage 2 – it is an ideal age for children to start learning and regular sessions will help them develop and learn in a more structured way. PlayLive French is played against the clock so it helps develop quick recall, speed of response and encourages pupils to listen more carefully to the questions posed. “Teachers do not have


to speak French to set tasks and the substantial question banks mean that pupils can visit the resource many times and still have a unique experience.”


FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR FUTURE TECH STUDIO


The start of construction work on the site of Warrington’s first Studio School, the Future Tech Studio, has been marked with an official ground-breaking ceremony. Studio Schools are a new type


of state school for 14-19-year- olds, which are designed to beter prepare young people for the working world. The Future Tech Studio


is specialising in IT & telecommunications, business & finance and engineering. Specialisms were selected based on demand in Warrington and surrounding areas from local employers who need staff to fill the skills gap in future years. Since the early stages of planning the Future Tech


Studio has been leading by example in the recruitment of students, building of the curriculum and working with local employers. The school atracted two applications for every place available for September 2014 student intake. The school already has


over 30 employers signed up to support the school and its students with work placement opportunities, master classes and real life projects. Big local names commiting


their time to get involved include Barclays Global Technology Centre in Knutsford, United Utilities in Warrington and the North West Environment Agency.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40