WestWirralWorks - City Learning Centre

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WestWirralWorks is one of three purpose built City Learning Centres based on the Wirral. The centre is open to local schools, community groups and local business alike. WestWirralWorks specialises in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Manufacture (CAM), but also supports all subjects across the curriculum through the innovative use of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The centres high tech facilities inspire a blended approach to learning, offering a wide range of practical, multimedia and traditional teaching resources, aimed at stimulating and enriching the overall learning experience, with the goal of raising pupil attainment.

Specialised equipment at the centre includes:

• Laser Cutter - that will engrave and cut materials ranging from cloth to wood.
• Solid Object Printer – a 3D printer that is able to print prototypes in plastic CNC Routers – for cutting and carving wood and plastics.
• Digital Embroidery – embroiders patterns designed in up to 15 colours onto clothing and hats.
• CNC Miller – to engrave and cut hard materials such as steel.
• Vinyl Printer/Cutter - prints and cuts in full colour onto sticky vinyl and clothing.
• Sublimation Printer/Press - for creating permanent graphics on fabrics and ceramics.
• Thermoforming Centre – allows vacuum forming, dome blowing, extrusion, powder dip coating, injection moulding and welding of plastics.

WestWirralWorks is a resource that is available to all Wirral schools. The centre will provide assistance with transport arrangements and costs. Recent projects at the centre have included: Primary/Secondary Transition through the application of CAD/CAM Children from local primary schools were introduced to CAD/CAM technology when they made their own personalise mugs. Pupils used CAD software to produce their designs and then cut them out using the CLC’s CAM vinyl cutters, before finally applying their designs to ceramic mugs.

Every single youngster went home with their own high quality product made by them, using their own efforts. Not bad for just one mornings work!

All pupils had an insight into CAD/CAM, and realise the importance it plays in industry. Pupils have also had a taste of what to expect when they reach secondary school. The CLC gave teachers access to CAD/CAM technology and empowered them to deliver the required programme of study to meet the national curriculum.

Systems and Control

This area of the curriculum had been poorly addressed by the majority of Primary schools mainly due to the lack of resources and expertise. Schools were asked to release two staff for half a days training at the CLC. Once trained the teachers had to commit to bring 30 Yr 4 or 5 pupils to the CLC on agreed date and take the class.

CLC staff and advisors were on hand to guide and support the teachers through the project. The project allowed children to explore systems and control from simple beginnings and rudimentary flowcharts, through to complex feedback loops and sub-routines, culminating in the programming of a control box linked to a 3D model of a burglar alarm system designed and made by the children themselves.

The project has provided teachers with the confidence and the ability to teach this area of the curriculum. Pupils have had an insight into what systems and control is, how it affects our daily lives and its importance to industry. They also met or exceeded level 4 of the national curriculum in this area. So far, at least 20 schools have gone through the programme.

Skate Project

WestWirralWorks ran an extra curricular KS2/3 transition project to support the interests of local children in skateboarding, BMX and Rollerblading. The project successfully engaged student interest by tasking them to design and make T-Shirts with Skate logos using the CAD/CAM technologies available at the centre.

During the project pupils were introduced to a variety of CAD applications as they worked in the relaxed CLC environment. They also had chance to make lots new friends from with a common interest from different schools (some of whom they would meet again soon when they start secondary school). The project provided a great opportunity for WestWirralWorks to engage and support children in activities that stimulate them as well as linking in ICT and DT activities and assisting the transfer process between yrs 6,7 and 8.

Altogether, 60 students (from 7 out of 8 of the local schools) signed up to after school activities. The sessions also involved children from local community groups including the youth club and the scouts. Teachers from both the primary and secondary sector were also present to observe and help out.

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