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