SCIENCE COLLEGE COMMUNITY WORK
Following on from our successful Beacon School work, SCGSG has continued to play a strong part in the local community. We have increased our number of partner schools due to the demand from 5 to 8, and expanded upon the original plan in many areas.
Our work with the local community as part of the Science College status has concentrated on the areas below. Please clink on a link to view a partner’s website or find out more:
PRIMARY SCHOOL PARTNERS
SCGSG has been involved with several local primary schools, including Science workshops and lab sessions, SAT revision lessons for Y6, staff training and curriculum development. In 2007 we will be running some Gifted & Talented workshops for local Y5 students and opening a primary science equipment library, so that local schools can borrow expensive apparatus to support teaching & learning.
- Deanery C of E School
- Deykin Avenue School
- Boldmere Junior School
- Town Junior School
- Whitehouse Common School
SECONDARY SCHOOL PARTNERS
SCGSG has been supporting staff at a number of schools. Key areas have been: staff training in Mathemetics and Science, support for non-specialist staff, curriculum resource development and use of ICT in Science, Y9 SAT revision workshops. From September 2006, Joanna Garvey and Greg Hughes will be Lead ICT Practioners in Science for the West Midlands area, working with other schools on inventive ICT in Science lessons.
- College High School
- Shenley Court School
- Kings Centre Behaviour Support Unit
ADULT EDUCATION
SCGSG has been able to offer our extensive ICT resources and technician experience to evening adult education classes. In 2007 we hope to introduce a number of Science/ICT/Mathematics-related classes for local students and parents, along with a series on evening lectures on Science and Technology.
TECHNICIAN TRAINING
SCGSG has worked in conjunction with STEP, ASE and BASS to develop facilities and opportunities for science technicians across the West Midlands. We have liaised with local technicians and offered a range of training quality courses at reduced rates, set up a BGFL+ website for news and advice and offered consultancies for secondary schools on lab administration and health & safety issues. In September 2006 SCGSG became a pilot centre for the ASE’s new on-line NVQ training TechCen, hosting conferences for NVQ candidates and assessors.
LOCAL BUSINESSES
SCGSG has worked with local firms and organisations to extend opportunities for students. Work so far has included a cross curricular visit to Masons to study the science and business of metal sheet manufacturing, visit to MRI Scanner and pathology department at Good Hope Hospital and support for new Spanish nurses from our MFL sixth form students.
This year, staff have also been involved with staff training on Assessment For Learning (AFL) in Science for local schools, Video Conferencing 2006 events with BGFL and Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at Newman College on ICT and AFL in Science.
Everyone at the school wishes to express their thanks to the Sutton Coldfield Municpal Charities for providing the £50,000 needed to apply for Science College status.
For more information, please contact the assistant science college director:
Greg Hughes