Frequently Asked Questions


Is my school eligible for the project?

If you represent a public-funded middle or secondary school in the North East of England you are eligible to participate in this scheme. Schools in the North East have been contacted to give them the opportunity to register for the project. The resources for the project will be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis - so schools must register in order to secure their participation in the project.

How do I get involved?

Schools interested in being involved in the project must now register by contacting Science Learning Centre North East:

Science Learning Centre North East
Front Street, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5BZ

Tel: 0191 3706200
Fax: 0191 374 1806
E-mail: slc.northeast@durham.ac.uk
Science Learning Centre North East website

Does the project cost money?

Explore Renewables has been sponsored by Regional Development Agency ONE NorthEast and all materials, services and equipment for the project have been provided and paid for by ONE NorthEast. No cost will be incurred to the school for participating in the project, however Explore Renewables is unfortunately not able to cover other additional costs that may be incurred through the project e.g. Supply cover for attending the training event.

What areas of the National Curriculum does this project apply to?

The teaching resources are divided into 4 subjects: Science, Geography, Maths and Design & Technology.

  • In Science, the schemes of work covered includes Unit 7I: Energy Resources, Unit 8I: Heating and Cooling and Unit 9I: Energy and Electricity.
  • In Geography, the schemes of work covered includes Unit 1: Making Connections, Unit 5: Exploring England, Unit 10: Weather patterns over Europe, Unit 20: Comparing countries and Unit 23: Local action, global effects.
  • In Maths, the schemes of work covered includes MA2: Number and Algebra and MA4: Colleting, handling and analysing data.
  • In Design and Technology, the schemes of work covered includes: Unit 7aii: Understanding material focus, Unit 8aii: Exploring material focus and Unit 8bii: Designing for clients. focus

When and how will we receive the Solar Thermal Trolley and Resources?

Schools registered for the project must arrange to attend a training session run by Science Learning Centre North East (see above). A representative of the school must attend a training session before the project resources are handed over to the school. Following the training session, the Trolleys will be delivered (without cost to the receiving schools).

When will the Project go live?

This website went live in April 2008 to coincide with the official launch of the project. It is anticipated that the project will not become fully active until September 2008 when all schools participating in the project return for the next academic year and the Trolley and education resources can be incorporated into lesson plans.

What is the timeline of the project?

  • Official Launch Event: 29th April 2008, Centre for Life
  • Full interactive website launch: April 2008
  • Tyne & Wear Training Event: 4th June 2008, Centre for Life
  • County Durham Training Event: 11th June 2008 , Ramside Hall
  • Tees Valley Training Event: 18th June 2008, The Wynyard Rooms
  • Northumberland Training Event: 25th June 2008, Woodhorn

End of actively run project: March 2010

I have registered but I need more information

Please contact NaREC on 01670 359 555 if you have an urgent query regarding Explore Renewables.