School Excellence Fund Digital Cluster
Project Title:
A cross-sectoral collaboration to promote student interest and engagement in STEM subjects.
Brief Outline of the Project:
Through participation in this Schools Excellence Fund (SEF) initiative, we are committed to encouraging higher levels of student engagement in the study of STEM subjects and improving student attainment in this area. As part of our project, we will examine the knowledge, understanding and attitudes of our students in relation to STEM subjects. We wish to foster greater interest in STEM among students by providing them with meaningful opportunities for inquiry-based learning. We strive to develop a sense of enjoyment in the study of these subjects.
The focus of Year 1 is to introduce the use of wireless sensor technology to the primary schools in the cluster. Pasco wireless sensors are distributed to and rotated between the seven primary schools for pupils to engage in hands-on, practical investigations involving pH, motion, pH, weather station, temperature, pressure, voltage and current. Year 2 is focusing on meaningfully embedding the use of this technology in the Primary Science Curriculum. Year 3 will focus on the integration of Micro:bits in the classroom.
Aims:
Schools Involved:
Our SEF Digital Cluster involves one secondary school, CBS Thurles, and seven primary schools. They include: Ballycahill N.S., Gaelscoil Durlas, Holycross N.S., Littleton N.S., Moycarkey N.S., Scoil Ailbhe and Two-Mile Borris N.S.
Thurles CBS is the lead school and tasked with coordinating activities, developing tutorial videos, purchasing and distributing resources, organising and facilitating training. The lead coordinator is facilitating training sessions with primary school teachers to up-skill them on the use of the technology. He is also facilitating workshops in each of the primary schools. Transition Year (TY) science and mathematics students also have an active role to play. Under the guidance of the lead coordinator, they are creating tutorial videos for primary-school teachers and pupils to access.
Each primary school is using digital technologies with their pupils in the areas of science, technology, mathematics and coding.
Digital Learning Framework Alignment:
Our project aligns with the Digital Learning Framework. We are primarily focusing on the following Domains, Standards and Statements of Effective Practice:
Domain 2: Learner Experiences.
Teacher and Pupil Voice:
Check out the "Pages" section of our website to learn about our launch day in October 2018 as well as each school's involvement in our SEF Digital Cluster project.
A cross-sectoral collaboration to promote student interest and engagement in STEM subjects.
Brief Outline of the Project:
Through participation in this Schools Excellence Fund (SEF) initiative, we are committed to encouraging higher levels of student engagement in the study of STEM subjects and improving student attainment in this area. As part of our project, we will examine the knowledge, understanding and attitudes of our students in relation to STEM subjects. We wish to foster greater interest in STEM among students by providing them with meaningful opportunities for inquiry-based learning. We strive to develop a sense of enjoyment in the study of these subjects.
The focus of Year 1 is to introduce the use of wireless sensor technology to the primary schools in the cluster. Pasco wireless sensors are distributed to and rotated between the seven primary schools for pupils to engage in hands-on, practical investigations involving pH, motion, pH, weather station, temperature, pressure, voltage and current. Year 2 is focusing on meaningfully embedding the use of this technology in the Primary Science Curriculum. Year 3 will focus on the integration of Micro:bits in the classroom.
Aims:
- Increase interest and engagement in STEM subjects among students.
- Provide opportunities for primary pupils to develop their problem solving skills by participating in inquiry-based learning activities.
- Provide opportunities for Transition Year (TY) science and mathematics students to be involved in this initiative through creating tutorial videos and facilitating workshops for primary level pupils. It is envisaged that they will develop their leadership skills and build on the key skills acquired in Junior Cycle.
- Promote greater levels of cross-sectoral collaboration between teachers to improve content knowledge and achieve greater continuity between primary and post-primary school in terms of teaching and learning approaches in STEM subjects.
- Embed digital technologies in the curriculum in an innovative manner.
Schools Involved:
Our SEF Digital Cluster involves one secondary school, CBS Thurles, and seven primary schools. They include: Ballycahill N.S., Gaelscoil Durlas, Holycross N.S., Littleton N.S., Moycarkey N.S., Scoil Ailbhe and Two-Mile Borris N.S.
Thurles CBS is the lead school and tasked with coordinating activities, developing tutorial videos, purchasing and distributing resources, organising and facilitating training. The lead coordinator is facilitating training sessions with primary school teachers to up-skill them on the use of the technology. He is also facilitating workshops in each of the primary schools. Transition Year (TY) science and mathematics students also have an active role to play. Under the guidance of the lead coordinator, they are creating tutorial videos for primary-school teachers and pupils to access.
Each primary school is using digital technologies with their pupils in the areas of science, technology, mathematics and coding.
Digital Learning Framework Alignment:
Our project aligns with the Digital Learning Framework. We are primarily focusing on the following Domains, Standards and Statements of Effective Practice:
Domain 2: Learner Experiences.
- Standard 2.4: Pupils experience opportunities to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning.
- Statement of Effective Practice: Pupils have opportunities to apply their digital competence in new situations or contexts and have an age appropriate understanding of how digital technology can support lifelong learning.
- Standard 3.1: The teacher has the requisite subject knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and classroom management skills.
- Statement of Effective Practice: Teachers design or adapt learning experiences that incorporate digital technologies and make learning activities relevant and meaningful to support pupils’ learning.
Teacher and Pupil Voice:
Check out the "Pages" section of our website to learn about our launch day in October 2018 as well as each school's involvement in our SEF Digital Cluster project.
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