Dates and Venues
There are places still available at the following venues:
London Metropolitan University Sunday 20th to Wednesday 23rd June 2010
University of Manchester Sunday 11th to Wednesday 14th July 2010
The hugely successful Polymer Study Tours are 3½ day residential courses designed to provide teachers with case studies that they can use in contextual teaching of both science and design & technology and to give teachers the opportunity to meet in an informal environment to exchange views on the teaching of science and design & technology.
They help to educate teachers on the science, technology and applications of polymers (both plastics and rubbers). In addition the courses promote the knowledge of polymers and plastics and their importance to the quality of everyday life and thereby enhance the image of plastics and the plastics industry in the eyes of future consumers.
In line with the Curriculum for Excellence they bring together the science and design technology teaching, and initiate links with industry which can be developed further after the course. There is a session on "Environmental Sustainability" that focuses on recycling and encourages life cycle analysis.
The course gives teachers the unique opportunity to visit major plastics processing companies and to attend lectures and discussions with leading figures from industry and academia. There are sessions in the laboratories where the teachers can operate machines to make and collect samples for their schools and use test equipment. There is a session on testing and identification of plastics that can be used back at school.
Teachers who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the ASE for their CPD portfolio.
Here is what some of last year’s teachers had to say about the course:
“The three plus days were a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. It opened my eyes to the world of plastics and altered my whole conception of the product and as a result, provided valuable resources that will be passed on to our students.”
John Cater, Bishop Justus School, Kent
“As a teacher it is so important for me to stay up to date with developments in new materials and manufacturing methods. The course certainly surpassed my expectations by delivering this in an exciting and hands-on way.”
Tristan Kemp, The Judd School, Kent
“I must admit that I knew less about plastics than the other groups of materials from the RM syllabus, but that certainly is not the case now. The programme of study was excellently put together with plenty of opportunities for practical, hands-on learning of plastic processing as well as interesting lectures and field trips.”
James Broughton, Moat School, London
“The course in Manchester was brilliant for providing an insight into this subject, at both a technical level (though not too technical for me) and taking it further into production and manufacturing systems.”
Emma Thompson, Thomas Mills High School, Suffolk
“I found the tour of the factories incredibly purposeful and got a real insight into the mass production of plastic bottles and containers. The lectures were well structured and expertly delivered and added to my understanding of the world of polymers.
All the topics covered can be included in future lessons that I will deliver with a full age range of students.”
Adam Young, Hymers College, Hull
To book your place please complete the application form and send with your payment of £150 ( covers all course fees, accommodation, meals etc for the full three and a half days) to belindablakeney@ase.org.uk OR Belinda Blakeney, ASE, College Lane, Hatfield, HERTS, AL10 9AA |
