In January 2008 DATA was invited by DCSF to tender for a curriculum innovation project that built upon links already established through three existing national projects:-
· Food in Schools
· CAD/CAM initiative
· Electronics in Schools (EiSS)
The rationale behind the tender focused on consortium partners:-
· Design and Technology Association (DATA)
· SSAT (Special Schools Academies Trust)
· IET (The Institute of Engineering and Technology)
· Delcam, PTC and Speed Step.
Also that the tender building on the strengths of the
Existing CAD/CAM in Schools project &
Electronics in Schools Strategy
and there must be
(a) coherence with other initiatives
(b) a steering advisory group
(c) monthly reporting to Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF)
DATA’s bid was successful
· The project to be called “DIGITAL D&T”
· Granted for a three year period (Renewable annually)
· If successful granted for a further 3 years.
Project to be guided by
· David Barlex – EiSS element
· Torben Steeg – EiSS element
· John Myserson – CAD/CAM Elements
· Rose Sinclair – Speed Step Elements
Support Centres
i. They follow the nine Government Regions in England
ii. 2 of these are CAD/CAM only
iii. 2 of these are EiSS only
iv. in year 1 of the project 75/25% of dedicated integrated training.
v. In total there are 36 support centres (of which we are one your work in the pilot study has led to this)
vi. By the time we reach year 3 of the project the split will have changed to 25/75% of dedicated integrated training.
The way forward – 2 day conference on 15th 16th November 2008 which will be led by DATA and will look at:
a. How to support infrastructure
b. How to support centre training
c. How to maintain the accredited trainer network
d. The curriculum framework
e. Pilot new software
f. Develop an annual conference for teachers from 100 pilot schools (I hope you will all be invited to be part of this.)
g. Develop websites
h. Evaluate the product
i. Disseminate funding to schools
The Institution of Engineering and Technology bring with them
1. funding
2. a change of their focus (from IEE to IET) from Electronics to integrated training.
3. a tool for maintaining the 4 day accredited courses.
4. further involvement for schools who have been part of the pilot scheme.
Project Overview