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Post 16 Activities

Improving skills and enhancing the quality of learning

   IIn consultation with local Post 16 education providers, Staffordshire STEM Centre has developed an inspiring programme of activities and events that are relevant and useful to students and teachers. 

SMART and Modern Materials in Medical Technology

A manufacturing and science teaching and learning module developed to aid learners' transition from school to college to university.  Based on case studies to provides guidance on how learners can complete their own research projects. This work could be a model for the extended project or could also be used to deliver an enterprise experience. The teaching materials provide real applications for SMART materials.

Project materials are available as a free download from our Medical Technology Website. To access the resources in the Teachers Section, please contact us online or by telephone to obtain User Name and Password.

Sound Engineering

The Engineering Teaching and Learning Module is based on a case study for hearing aids. The material explores sound engineering and how sound is amplified and compressed. Learners work with circuit diagrams using ‘Circuit Wizard’ CAD programming to build a compact stereo amplifier. Learners are develop the work further into a docking station for a phone, an MP4 player, etc. This project is suitable as an enterprise activity.

Project materials are available as a free download from our Medical Technology Website. To access the resources in the Teachers Section, please contact us online or by telephone to obtain User Name and Password.

These materials have been produced with the support of the Lifelong Learning Network in Birmingham and Solihull. We are currently developing the SMART Materials Unit for accreditation as a recognised qualification through Walsall Technical College who have awarding body status.  We are also developing further units around photonics and bio-mechanics.

Master Classes (Aim Higher)

With the support of the aim higher project, we are able to organise ‘Master classes’ at Staffordshire University. We have a range of topics that can be covered and advertise these to schools and colleges on a fairly regular basis. We may also be able to arrange a bespoke lecture and visit subject to University Staff teaching commitments and the size of a group that can be accommodated. The master classes give students a taste of university life as well as enrichment and enhancement of STEM ‘A’ level courses.

Engineering Education Scheme England (EESE)

The Engineering Education Scheme is a problem-solving  design and development project completed with the support of mentors from industry. Year thirteen students are set real engineering problems within company business activities that need solutions. Working in teams, they attempt to develop an engineering solution. In our experience the best projects are produced when students have support from both science and D&T in their school or college. Companies provide access to one or more link engineers who support students with regular contact and visits to the company. A local university also offers the use of their facilities for a residential workshop.

The quality of the projects produced in recent years has quite often led to the development of commercially viable products and changes to working practices. The projects also inspire a number of students to go on to study engineering at university.

Staffordshire STEM Centre supports the groups taking part in our areas and offers students the chance to complete the CREST Gold Award during their project work. For more information please check the EES website.

British Science Association CREST Gold Award

A level and Post 16 students can complete the CREST gold award involving 70+ hours. The project format could be a major component of an extended project qualification course. This can be used as an interim reward to increase motivation and application.

The CREST process can be used to enhance and enrich students work through the involvement of an industrial partner. It may also be possible to enlist the support of an industrial mentor/ STEM Ambassador. Projects ideas submitted for an Award must be approved by Staffordshire STEM Centre, youre local CREST organiser.

If you wish to discuss a specific requirement or need further information, please contact the Staffordshire STEM Team online or by tel: 01785 353348.