Thurrock Trailblazer Cultural Catalogue 2019-20

SIGNALS
KS2
KS3
KS4
SEND
DIGITAL MAKING
Signals is a centre for creative digital learning who specialise in film education, digital art and use
media production for social, learning and creative outcomes. Based in Colchester Essex, Signals is
a multi award winning arts and education charity that provides courses, workshops and projects
across the region. Using digital art to introduce young people to topics such as STEM, literacy,
history and even wellbeing, Signals have many years experience of delivering bespoke creative
digital education projects and workshops from KS2 to KS4.
“...a great way to explore new themes and concepts without the
students even realising how much they are actually learning”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Signals educate and inspire students to
become digital creators rather than just
consumers, increasing their understanding of
and participation in digital art and its vast array
of applications.
Technology can spark debate, inspire and
motivate participants and Signals have had
great success and experience of working with
disadvantaged and hard to reach groups,
especially to help raise awareness and
engagement around PHSE topics.
DIGITAL MAKING
Exploring interactive creations using a
combination of motors, sensors and craft
materials, students will respond to a brief to
design and build their own piece of interactive
digital art.
Possibilities range from interactive musical
instruments to motorised theatre set boxes,
animatronic monsters to remote control
robots...
A small credit card sized computer that
students will program to control motors and
lights - all of which provided by Signals.
Students learn about user interface (UI) and
user experience (UX) to utilise wireless radio
technology to control their creations remotely.
This workshop is a fun and exciting way to
learn coding skills by combining them with
physical arts and crafts. Also introducing ideas
like problem solving and iterative design, fixing
bugs in the code.
SUITABILITY
This workshop is aimed at students in KS2-4.
DATES, LOCATION & FORMAT
Bookings are available weekdays from 9:00-
17:30 and the workshop takes place over a full
day with a maximum of 30 students.
Workshops can either take place in your
classroom or at Signals’ studio in Colchester.
• Ability to use wireless radio technology to
control their creations remotely
• Understanding of user interface and user
experience
CROSS-CURRICULAR LINKS
This STEAM activity can be linked to both
STEM and creative subjects (music, art and
drama) as digital art is both scientific and
artistic.
Students will be encouraged to explore critical
thinking by having to problem solve and think
creatively throughout. This workshop is
translatable cross many curriculum areas.
TEACHER COMMITMENT & TRAINING
Signals are an Artsmark Partner, so please talk
to them about your Artsmark journey and see
how Signals can help you.
Teachers are encouraged to participate
alongside students and engage in their own
CPD.
OTHER RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Lesson plans and links to equipment used can
be provided on request.
COSTS
£500 full day.
All costs are inclusive of the equipment
required.
RECOMMENDED
This offer could complement the following:
• Royal Opera House: Design and Make
• Into Film: Book Trailer Project
Signals will work with teachers to set a brief
for the session which aligns with topics already
being covered in their lessons. For example
Greek mythology robots, or bringing creative
writing to life with interactive set building.
The workshop centres around ‘physical
computing’ by using the BBC Micro:Bit
computer.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will have an:
• Understanding of basic programming
techniques such as input, outputs, variables
and “if” statements
• Understanding of how to problem solve
and fix programming bugs with creative
solutions
Additional computers may be required for
larger class sizes (e.g access to a computer
suite).
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END?
Students could share their creations with the
wider school to demonstrate the wireless radio
technology and mechanics.
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