BT’s impact on learning at MCA
May 2014
Introduction
“Really engaged students and made
As Manchester Communication Academy’s lead sponsor BT are providing authentic learning experiences for students in a variety of subject areas. These projects not only support progress in learning but also prepare students for life post 16. All students in Years 7 to 10 have been involved in a BT project this year developing key life skills such as speaking, listening, teamwork, leadership, research and interview techniques.
The project has been reviewed and is now in the planning stages for delivery to our Year 8 students. We will incorporate latest fibre optic technology communications in conjunction with the University of Salford and Ben Cheung, WNB Consultant and Technical Network Designer for BT.
Year 7 working with BT Openreach
English teacher Maimoona Khan invited BT’s Peter Turnbull (Senior Business Manager - Industry Engagement) to work with all our Year 8 students on the delivery of effective presentations.
Year 8 EnglishSpeaking and listening
learning meaningful.”
Natalie Hewitt Science Teacher MCA
“An effective way to promote and teach good communication skills.”
Maimoona Khan English Teacher MCA
The development of Science Technology Engineering and Maths [STEM] at MCA has been characterised by a positive, effective partnership working with major players from industry and commerce. BT are working with us to ensure that our students are best placed to gain places on BT’s award winning apprenticeship programmes, as well as those of other companies.
BT Openreach apprentices have visited MCA for two consecutive years to work with Year 7 students. The apprentices set up a telephone exchange in the science learning base and demonstrate the practical applications of electricity and circuits. Our students learn about current and voltage and setting up and measuring circuits. They work with the Openreach apprentices on the telephone system to apply their scientific knowledge in a real life context. Through this project students experienced all aspects of an Openreach engineer’s job and find out the qualifications and knowledge required for this career path.
This project was developed to incorporate the requirements of the English speaking and listening curriculum. The exercise enhanced student speaking and listening skills, teaching them how to speak to an audience and how to present effectively using images or an object as a prompt.
Future projects include teaching students how to make an effective sales call using persuasive language.
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Year 9—BT Apprenticeship Skills
Year 10– Career pathways At BT DABS
During October 2013 Year 9 students took part in the national ‘Print It’ competition during their Friday morning specialism curriculum. Working in teams students were tasked with designing a container made of out of one sheet of A4 paper. They also had to present a business case for their product and develop a marketing campaign.
A pilot cohort of 45 students took part in this six week project on Friday mornings. The project focused on preparation for college and job application processes including matching jobs to skillsets and effectively completing a CVs and application forms.
This project was linked directly to the BT Hub apprenticeship selection criteria and enabled the students to reflect on the development of their communication skills. The six key skills being tested were reflection, teamwork, leadership, creative thinking, positive information and time management.
After six weeks students presented their products and were interviewed by members of the academy BT forum. The forum included John Clarke (3rd Line Technical Management), Pete Faulkner (Senior Business Manager) and other academy partners.
The outcomes for students were building confidence in interview techniques, meeting adults in a professional environment and recognising the importance of leaving a
MCA students were introduced to the BT DABS employees who outlined their job roles within the company. They explained the job application process from an employer’s perspective, describing company expectations with job applications and covering letters. The students were then required to apply for an actual job at BT DABS as a Junior Financial Admin Assistant.
Over the following weeks students produced an in depth CV and covering letter and learnt new interview techniques. All applications were handed in, with six applicants chosen for interview with feedback provided to unsuccessful students.
All 45 students visited BT DABS offices and warehouse in offices in Horwich, Bolton taking part in customer service, marketing and financial administration workshops. The names of the chosen applicants were announced during the visit and prizes awarded, including a tablet device, a USB drive or a gaming mouse. This project will be repeated with all remaining Year 10 students.