Reviewed 30 November 2008

The Patent Office launches a dynamic digital format of the THINK kit

The Patent Office unveils the much awaited electronic version of THINK kit at this years Annual Business and Enterprise Conference which is being held in Chester on 7 & 8 February 2007.  

The launch will incorporate students from Writhlington School based in Radstock near Bath putting the format through its paces. This exciting initiative is very much in line with the recommendation’s of the recent Gowers Review of Intellectual Property, published last December.

A number of well known names including Simon Woodroffe of Yo!® Sushi, Doug Richard of Dragon’s Den, David Arnold best known for scoring four James Bond films and Paul Lisberg of Phonogenic have recorded podcast’s for THINK kit in which they highlight the importance of IP to their business. It also features a video of students from Rugby school who have developed an innovative hole punch combined with a folder.

James Fox, Head of Business & Enterprise at Writhlington School said:

"Here at Writhlington Business School we have recently piloted the digital THINK kit provided by the Patent Office which is part of the DTI.

The kit was a huge success and both staff and students gave it a big thumbs up. It enables the complex and potentially dry subject of intellectual property rights to come alive in an exiting and interactive way, allowing students to enhance their knowledge about this vital aspect of business.

Another important benefit of the digital THINK kit is detailed lesson plans and case studies provided for the teachers which is an enormous time saver.

Writhlington Business & Enterprise School is now acting as an ambassador for this resource with students at our school demonstrating its benefits to a Business Enterprise Conference in Chester today".

Dave Morgan, Education & Enterprise Support Manager said:

“This is a natural next step for us to move to an electronic media to further promote this highly successful resource. This version will reinforce and promote the value and relevance of IP in enterprise to students”.

The content of the new digital THINK kit aligns itself more closely with the National Curriculum and draws on a number of innovative methods of inter action. The key message to students is that businesses who adopt robust IP strategies will benefit from doing so.

Editor Note

  • The THINK kit resource was developed in 2003 and since its launch the resource has gone from strength to strength. The most recent version has found placement in 82% of secondary schools.
  • Our educational program was the natural next step from our business awareness program and to raise awareness of IP amongst students of today. To gain the attention of the students we have had to engage with the teachers but to address the needs of teachers we had to develop a resource which was of appeal.
  • Research we conducted in 2006 into how effective the resource had been identified 2 main areas for us to address, need to align itself more firmly with the National Curriculum and for the resource to be available electronically.
  • Writhlington College based in Radstock near Bath is recognised as being the most enterprising school in England and in 2006 accredited by the Academy of Enterprise as being the leaders in the provision of specialist Business and Enterprise tuition.
  • A specialist company in the field of software provision and an educator converted the exiting hard copy resource into an electronic format.
  • The resource will be distributed initially on DVD before being made available over the web.
  • The resource is part of our educational strategy which is to educate innovators and consumers of the future in the benefits of understanding using and respecting Intellectual Property.
  • The new electronic version is:-

    1. More closely aligned with the National Curriculum

    2. Available in DVD format and suitable for use in inter active white boards

    3. Includes innovative resource including sound casts of high profile entrepreneurs from all areas

    4. Video footage of students

    5. Allows a great deal of flexibility in use

    6. Material available for down load
  • The THINK kit is an important tool in helping students gain an essential understanding and value to society of Intellectual property.
  • Intellectual Property (IP) is important to the curriculum, with students having at least 5 days of enterprise tuition every year. Think kit is our free educational resource aimed at key stage 4 students, although it can also be used for other age groups.
  • Contact for Writhington School is Emma Duncombe on 01761 433581 (ext 317)
  • Dave Morgan, Education & Enterprise Support Manager can be contacted on mobile phone number 0778 5338543

Date of release: 7 February 2007