7 research outputs found
The identification of factors contributing to the relative underachievement of boys in design and technology
Since the 1990s, it has become apparent that girls are
outperforming boys in the 16+ examinations in England
and Wales. This paper focuses on the different levels of
achievement in design and technology. It commences by
considering the dimensions of the gender gap at national
level, before looking at one school in detail. The
methodology of this investigation is described before
analysing the gap. Quantitative and qualitative methods
have been used, including focus group interviews with
students and semi-structured interviews with staff to
identify those factors that contribute to the relative
underachievement of boys
Getting ready for the specialised engineering diplomas: work placements for the 14 to 16 age phase
In the UK there is considerable activity at national level in
developing the interface between school and training for
employment. The intention is to introduce new Specialised
Diploma courses into schools starting in 2008. Early in the
planning it became clear that several diplomas offer
opportunities for design and technology (D&T) in schools. A
key feature of these diplomas is that the structure consists of
learning lines comprising of several subjects coming together
for the delivery in schools. However, a significant feature is the
integration of work placement into the student learning
experience. Sheffield Children and Young People Directorate
(CYPD) has a strong commitment to ensuring diplomas are
implemented successfully in schools therefore this research
was undertaken to assess both the provision and opportunities
for work placement in the 14 to 16 age phase. The research
focused on commercial providers of education and training.
Motor trade training was selected as an industry with the
potential to contribute to the emerging specialised engineering
diploma (www.engineeringdiploma.com/).
The research consisted of:
• a review of current qualifications for all aspects of the
motor trades industry including those provided by the
Institute of the Motor Industry;
• semi-structured interviews, using Wiersma's (2000)
methodology, with motor trade commercial training and
further education (FE) providers;
• observation and informal interviews with a group of Year
10 students on a motor trades work placement;
• informal interviews with teachers and tutors responsible
for the above group.
The research outcomes identify issues concerning the provision
of work placement within diplomas and particularly how it is
integrated into the learning experience. Additionally there are
implications for subject teaching of D&T, science and
mathematics to ensure that students are prepared prior to
work placement. The conclusion identifies examples of good
practice but also raises issues about organisation and capacity.
While this research concerned engineering the implications and
issues are likely to be similar for other diplomas currently being
prepared such as Manufacturing, Construction and the Built
Environment and Hospitality and Catering
Baseline patient profiling and three-year outcome data after metabolic surgery at a South African centre of excellence
The bariatric team at Waterfall City Hospital in Gauteng has performed 820 metabolic surgeries under the guidance of an extended team, and with comprehensive recordkeeping. Baseline profiling on more than 50 variables afforded insight into patients undergoing surgery. The available outcome data over three years were comparable with those in the documented literature. The attempted weight loss period prior to agreeing to surgery was 16–18 years. Weight loss in the overall cohort was 29% at three years, with a two-year outcome as follows: diabetes mellitus remission of 81.6% in males and 83.1% in females, full and part-hypertension resolution of 84.8% in males and 74.6% in females, hyperlipidaemia on no treatment of 76.8% in males and 72.1% in females, and sleep apnoea of 75.5% in males and 76.8% in females. Separating out the diabetic group indicated a diabetes mellitus remission of 73.9% in males and 75.1% in females at one year. Improvement in the components of metabolic syndrome was demonstrated in the total cohort. There was an worse profile and higher risk in the male patients. Similarly, higher risk was recorded in the biliopancreatic diversion-duodenal switch cohort, and there was a higher percentage of elected diabetic patients. A wide range of revision surgery was performed, with a higher complication rate (20%) experienced compared to that recorded with the primary surgeries. The morbidity data were separated into medical and surgical morbidity. Major medical morbidity was documented at 5.6% and surgical morbidity at 3.9%. Surgical morbidity in the first 250 cases was reported to be 6% vs. 2.7% in the last 570 cases. Mortality for the cohort was noted to be 0.1%.Keywords: bariatric surgery, outcome data, profiling, South Afric