St John’s to lead the delivery of the Engineering Diploma across the Epping Forest Consortium |
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How the Engineering specialism has enhanced St John's School St John’s prides itself on being a place where Engineering is used as a tool to enhance the relationship between Mathematics, Science and Design & Technology. Evidence has shown that the delivery of a broader curriculum through the eyes of Engineering raises standards of achievement across all ability and subject ranges. The Engineering specialism has supported whole school improvement by increasing opportunities for students to follow a wide range of academic and vocational courses, too. |
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Through our Engineering specialism, St John’s has developed relationships and has shared resources and good practice with local schools, industries and businesses. Innovative teaching and learning through Engineering has provided a model of excellence both within St John’s and across its wider community. St John’s specialism has also raised the post-16 participation rate in Engineering, thus providing our students with the skills needed to progress into employment, further education, and higher education. Delivery of Vocational Engineering – the 100% pass rate for students taking the BTEC 1st Diploma Engineering is evidence of the quality of teaching and the commitment of the school to its specialism. St John’s is heading the roll-out of the Engineering Diploma across the Epping Forest Schools and Epping Forest College for the delivery in September 2010. |
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| Delivery of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Days throughout the academic year - STEM in Action 2009 – All Year 9 students took part in innovative activities arranged by the Design and Technology Department. Students’ inspiration and creativity were challenged through investigating the work of famous inventors, scientists and mathematicians; people they aspire to be. All the work produced was of an exceptional standard, some of which is now visible around the school. Many thanks go to Philip Melling, Artist in Residence at St John’s School, for his support and guidance on metal design. |  |
| St John’s Product Design students visited Disneyland in Paris to improve their knowledge of Engineering applications into real life. During their stay in Paris, the students followed a specially designed programme, ‘Engineering in the Park’. This included learning about the various structures and materials used for building rollercoasters and the mathematics and physical principles behind how they work. Various stunts were revealed, too! After discovering all the secrets of how the world works, students met Mr Michael Kent, Chief Engineer behind the construction of Space Mountain. A question-and-answer forum was provided for the students. Students tested out the various rollercoasters too, adding excitement and thrills to an inspiring and informative visit for all! |  |
| Innovative use of ICT | |
The Laser Cutter in the Design Technology Department provides the capability for cutting accurate, complex shapes in non-metallic resistant materials. It allows students with limited computing skills to extend their inventiveness and to realise high quality, accurate products from their own computer-aided designs. |
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| National initiatives and competitions – Rampaging Chariots | |
| The Rampaging Chariot is a powerful, radio controlled featherweight sporting robot which is used by schools and youth groups to compete in an annual Robotic Games competition. It is a project aimed at young people interested in engineering and students from St John’s School have taken part.
The students build the basic robot from the instructions and kit provided (approximately 12 hours' work) and can then design unique bodywork and think of ideas to improve its performance. The bodywork can be made to any design from any material. The robot kits provide good quality electronic construction and make use of modification and adaption of other electronic tools and devices, such as a motor from an electric drill. The competition allows teams of 3 or 4 student members to compete in three separate activities: each robot completes a timed assault course and there is a choice of two 'strength' events Finally, teams of two Rampaging Chariots compete in a football match demanding skill, agility and strength. Our students have enjoyed making their Rampaging Chariot in their own time after school and have also been inspired by taking part in the competition on a Saturday at Basildon, supported by their families. |
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| Celebration of Engineering and student achievement |  |
| Links with industry and businesses – Thanks to the Industrial Trust and RWE N Power Station, Year 8 students visited Tilbury Power Station, near Dartford. During the visit they learnt about Tilbury’s renewable fuel programme, electricity generation, purification of water and how pollution affects habitats. However, the highlight of the visit had to be standing in the middle of an inactive burner the height of a double decker bus! |  |
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| “St John's is a great school for everyone from age 11 to 16” | ||
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