CLCS
WHAT DO THEY DO?
Training programmes for teachers
CLCs often provide substantial training programmes for teachers either in small groups or
by individual support, either through outreach work into partner schools or Centre-based
sessions. Many Centres have access to curriculum developers or Advanced Skills
Teachers/consultants, employed through the LA, National Strategies or partner schools,
who provide support and training via the CLC.
Some CLCs have developed specialisms which has helped focus resource commitment
and the direction of a CLC’s work. It also can help develop a method of analysing services
to deliver in the local context.
Innovation in learning and teaching
Innovation in learning and teaching has been delivered
through a variety of projects which are becoming embedded into schools’
curricular programmes. Their “cutting edge technology” has allowed many
Centres to experiment with a range of devices and software from karaoke
machines to support Key Stage 1 and literacy lessons through to robotics,
control, data logging, interactive Q&A sessions using mobile-phone-like
texting, and virtual reality. This level of innovation is providing the
opportunity to develop and test new approaches which invariably have a positive
impact on attitudes to learning and behaviour as pupils are “hooked-in”.
Additionally an acknowledged challenge for many primary schools is the effective
delivery of KS2 Control Technology. CLCs may have both the equipment and
staff to provide a high quality experience training teachers along with
their pupils.
Many CLCs have invested in digital media technologies which offer a range
of hardware and software including those matching and surpassing industry
standards. This has allowed schools to explore new approaches to pupil assignments
often involving a greater range of key life skills and substantially increasing
their level of challenge, interest and enjoyment, all within the security
and support of the CLC and its staff.
Very high quality Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) facilities
are beyond the experience and budget of most schools yet a number of CLCs
have invested and shared their resources which, again, often match industry
standards. Design software linked to computer controlled laser cutters,
milling machines, lathes, sewing machines and the latest digital printers
are offering opportunities to schools to substantially raise the experience
and GCSE / A level grades of Design Technology students.
There is increasing activity with the Community that is
able to access formal and informal
courses for the retired or people returning to work, many of which successfully
complete
accreditation on courses covering skills for life, IT and the European Computer
Driving
Licence (ECDL). Income from community use is reinvested in the CLC which
can
contribute to the CLC activities.
Many CLCs work closely with the Gifted and Talented (G&T) Co-ordinators and cohorts
offering valuable e-learning opportunities through masterclasses and Summer/Easter
schools with access to specialised equipment.
