Second Year of Funding
The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) has provided the Authority with a ring-fenced grant to fund separate Subject Focused training for Science and Subject Focused training for Mathematics in Secondary Schools for Technicians.
These courses are offered at no cost and are run in association with Salford City Council, the lead Authority.
Application Form Subject Focused Training (22kb 2 pages)
Subject Focused Training Introductory Information (93kb 9 page pdf)
Technicians who wish to develop their skills and their knowledge of the generic aspects of teaching and learning support may wish to apply. The 12 day courses also offer Technicians the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of the secondary Science and Mathematics curriculum. These are on offer on a pick and mix basis of half day sessions. Technicians can select appropriate half days to attend that meet their own professional development needs and the needs of their school.
Bury Maths and Science Subject Focused Training for Teaching Assistants and Technicians (potentially leading to HLTA status)
In response to a Government pledge to address standards in Mathematics in secondary schools the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) have provided the Authority with a grant to fund Subject Focused Training for Science and Mathematics in Secondary Schools. This training aims to increase the Technicians knowledge and understanding of the content/requirements of the Key Stage 3/4 Science and Mathematics curriculum.
Why the emphasis on Secondary Science and Maths?
The number of pupils taking Maths and Science subjects, post 16, fell sharply in the early 1990s and it is still falling. This has led to a shortage of science and engineering skills in industry. To reverse this trend the government commissioned the Robert’s Report, SET for Success and the DCSF’s STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics Programme) Report. One of the strategies recommended is “that there should be higher pupil-to-staff ratios in practical classes and that this is best addressed through the employment of skilled teaching assistants supporting the teacher. It will be important to ensure that the teaching assistants have the skills and training and good understanding of the subject to work in this capacity”.
This grant provides training that provides teaching assistants with secure knowledge of the Mathematics and Science curriculum together with appropriate knowledge of teaching and learning so they will be able to support the teacher by helping pupils consolidate and advance their understanding of the curriculum.
New this year-Functional Skills training in English and Maths
This year we have extended the training to include separate 8 day Functional English and 6 day Functional Maths training programmes. These are held in Salford. Applicants can attend these courses on a pick and mix basis, choosing specific half days that suit their own professional development needs and their school’s needs.
Functional skills are practical skills in English, Mathematics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.
Functional skills will be constituent qualifications of the new 14 -19 Diploma at level 1, 2 and 3, with English and Maths at their core. The DCFS 14 -19 website states that Individuals of whatever age who possess functional skills will be able to participate and progress in education, training and employment as well as develop and secure the broader range of aptitudes, attitudes and behaviours that will enable them to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
Topics on the course follow and compliment the guidance for the Functional Skills Support Programme developed by the Quality Improvement Agency (QIA), Secondary National Strategies (SNS) and the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) 
QIA Excellence Gateway
ASE, CLEAPSS and the Royal Society Technicians Career Structure
A Career Structure for Science Technicians in Schools and Colleges (685kb 2 page pdf)
Science technicians are key members of the science team in schools and colleges and make an essential contribution to the quality of teaching and learning. There is a 4 level recommended structure for science technicians.
Qualifications
Underpinning the 4 level career route for technicians is a new Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (LATA) qualification offered at levels 1-4. This will replace the existing NVQ Laboratory Technicians Working in Education Level 2 and 3.
Details are available on the Technicians' National Assessment Centre
Subject Associations
The Design and Technology Association or
The Association for Science Education
Both associations aim to provide direct support for them in offering advice in areas ranging from organising stock, health and safety and working with students. Their websites are useful to technicians as an initial source of information and provide links to many other sites of specific interest to their subject area. Both associations have a specific technician category of membership which will provide support and advice on the day to day work as a technician and completing the LATA award. In addition there are reduced LATA NVQ fees if you are a member.
Design and Technology Technicians
Technicians play a crucial role in supporting and directly improving students' learning experiences in D&T. Common aspects for which they take responsibility include:
- Preparing equipment and teaching areas for practical classes
- Maintaining equipment and teaching areas
- Ensuring a safe environment
- Supporting teachers in practical classes
- Helping students to get the most of out learning experiences
- Carrying out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department
The D&T Association's Design & Technology Technicians' Guide covers:
- The need for technicians
- Roles, responsibilities, job descriptions and person specifications
- Technician deployment and grades
- Training, qualifications and experience
- Induction of technicians
- Helping students with practical work
- Maintenance issues
- Safety issues
- Key references and reading
- Useful checklists
The D&T Association and ASE (Association for Science Education) have developed techcen: the Technicians' National Assessment Centre, to support science and D&T technicians in gaining a professional qualification.
The Design and Technology Association
CLEAPSS Guidance freely available
As a result of joint initiatives with the DfES and the ASE two of our publications are available. L228 Technicians and Their Jobs guide and L14 Designing and Planning Laboratories. If you wish to download L228 (553kb, 62 pages), click here and L14 (828kb, 62 pages), click here. Both these publications are on the latest edition of the CLEAPSS Science Publications CD-ROM.
Get On at work
Get the Level 2 national qualifications in English and Maths. Improve your confidence in budgeting and money management. Update your skills or replace your lost certificates.
Get On at work is offering you an opportunity to check your skills, do a FREE brush up course and then take a national test to prove what you can do.
The training is short, sharp and work-focused and can be done at home, at work or in our training centre. Taking part in this training is voluntary and confidential.
For more information contact telepehone 0161 253 6150 or the Skills for Life contact in Organisational Development on 0161 253 5158.
