Promoting STEM in Gloucestershire schools

Simon Kettle : STEMworks

A selection of National

initiatives• STEMNET ( stemnet.org )

• STEM directories ( stemdirectories.org )

• STEMPOINTS

• SEA’s ambassadors ( stemnet.org )

• Science Learning Centres ( sciencelearningcentres.org.uk )

• Bringing together of national STEM schemes

• National and regional celebration events (nationalsciencecompetition.org )

The Gloucestershire Context

Gloucestershire engineering company age profile September 2008

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<20 21 - 25 26 - 30 31 - 35 36 - 40 41 - 45 46 - 50 51 - 55 56 - 60 61 - 65

Age range

Peop

le

• 242 primary schools • 42 secondary's

• University of Gloucestershire offers a limited number of STEM courses.

• Engineering training providers are located in Gloucester.

Profile showing aging workforce

• Numbers of schools offering engineering or hard edge technology courses is decreasing while demand is increasing.

• 400+ Volunteers from business across Gloucestershire

Talks – engineers explaining how they use science and maths in their jobs. Cover health & Safety and Standards issues

Ambassadors

Competitions e.g Flying start – regular school visits explaining principles of flight

Experts at debates, e.g. Energy – renewable / non-renewable energy.

Careers Advice and support

• Ambassador from Formflow a SME in Cheltenham.

• School : Christ’s College Cheltenham.

• Company want to recruit appentices

• School wanted help with 21st Century science course.

• Ambassador spoke to three groups of year 11 students about British standards, H/S and his role as a Scientist.

STEM Ambassadors

Primary schools

Knex and primary challenge

Science or D/T practical project days.

Computer control,

KS2 revision, hire of equipment

DATA logging with staff or pupils.

Teacher inset.

STEM support in

Secondary schools Enterprise and Business Challenge

days

Science or Engineering focused project days.

Ambassadors support STEM subjects.

CREST awards.

Support for Diplomas