A PROMINENT businesswoman has "thrown down the gauntlet" to North-East firms to get involved in a new initiative that brings design and technology alive in the classroom.
Kate McNaught, chief executive of the Northern Business Forum, is supporting Young Foresight, a programme that focuses on teaching the key business skills of innovation, creativity, teamwork and communication, to year nine students to give them the education they will need to compete in tomorrow's world.
The programme is being launched from RTC North, one of the UK's leading technology transfer companies that delivers quality services predominantly in the North-East but also to national and international clients.
The North-East will be one of the first regions to introduce this programme to be delivered within the design and technology curriculum over a period of nine weeks.
The major objectives of the project are to:
l Give students direct experience in all the skills needed to create a successful product or service.
l Encourage students to anticipate future trends and consumer behaviour and design products that will perform well.
l Bring design and technology alive in the classroom by introducing local industry to its future workforce.
l Help teachers meet the standards set by the new curriculum.
An important part of Young Foresight is that each teacher will receive the support of a local business mentor who will spendtime in the school assisting in "classroom delivery".
A comprehensive package of training and resources are also available to support the effective delivery of the in-school projects.
Young Foresight also has the support of Lord Sainsbury of Turville, minister for science and innovation, who said: "The Young Foresight initiative complements the work of the national Foresight programme by providing vital learning experiences, so promoting the skills and attitudes necessary to take a positive and active part in this future world."
Kate McNaught added: "The talent of our young people is the region's most precious resource and I am urging all North East companies to get involved."
Companies or individuals who would like to find out more about Young Foresight should contact Simon Penhall at RTC North on Tel: (0191) 516 4400
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