As school leaders seek to enhance STEM education, discover how STEM Learning’s strategic partnerships and substantial funding are driving innovation and empowering teachers in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on FundEd
STEM education is a source of national pride, and the not-for-profit entity, STEM Learning, is on a mission to uphold this legacy. With substantial backing from government bodies, charities, trusts, foundations, and businesses, their vision is nothing short of establishing world-class STEM education. Their aim? To elevate the academic achievements of young minds and ignite their passion for careers in STEM fields.
A hub of expertise: Elevating teachers’ skills
At the forefront of STEM Learning’s initiatives lies a commitment to providing top-tier Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to both primary and secondary school educators. Their team is responsible for crafting and delivering training, as well as curating an extensive collection of over 15,000 free resources available to schools and colleges on their website.
The ENTHUSE partnerships programme: Cultivating excellence
Central to STEM Learning’s efforts is the ENTHUSE Partnerships programme. This initiative offers tailor-made, long-term support to groups of schools in collaboration with STEM employers and local partners, often education consultancies. Last year, approximately 150 partnerships, each consisting of six to ten schools, were established. Each partnership boasts a dedicated advisor and enjoys a two-year journey, bolstered by £25,000 worth of support. This collective effort is projected to impact around 64 teachers and 6,400 young individuals.
A unified approach to STEM Learning: connecting resources
Thanks to funding from local STEM employers, these partnerships encompass a wide array of STEM Learning’s offerings. From teacher CPD to mentorship by STEM professionals, from engaging summer camps to valuable work experience opportunities and volunteering initiatives, the spectrum is comprehensive. Schools also benefit from cross-collaboration, bridging primary and secondary education. While each partnership is tailored to its unique context, there’s a shared emphasis on nurturing student aspirations, elevating attainment levels, and fostering an awareness of STEM career pathways.
Supporting teachers in every way: alleviating time pressures
Understanding the time constraints faced by teachers, STEM Learning ensures that the costs of CPD and travel are covered. Moreover, funding is available to provide substitute teachers, liberating educators to attend training. As Danny Knight, STEM Learning’s partnership development officer, aptly puts it: “We understand the demands on teachers’ time. Cover teaching support is often the linchpin for many educators to access vital training.”
The DP World, a prominent trading infrastructure and logistics enterprise, is steering a groundbreaking £50,000 STEM support programme benefiting six schools. Collaboratively, these schools have identified a critical need for specialised training focusing on the transition from primary to secondary school, particularly for vulnerable pupils. This project holds the promise of a profound nationwide impact.
Empowering educators and pupils alike
The partnership encompasses specialist training at DP World’s London Gateway hub and the National STEM Learning Centre in York. A summer camp tailored for 20 transitioning students is also in the pipeline, featuring captivating sessions on physics, chemistry, biology, and STEM career prospects. Remarkably, pupils participating in STEM Learning summer camps frequently surpass their projected GCSE grades, reinforcing the significance of these initiatives.
DP World’s vision
For DP World, with its deep water ports, freight rail terminals, logistics park, and advanced software business, investing in STEM education is a strategic choice. Andrew Bowen, port operations director at DP World London Gateway, underscores their commitment, stating, “The dedication of these educators and their pupils has the potential to reshape their futures. We are devoted to investing in and revitalising the communities in which we operate. Over 85% of our London Gateway employees are local residents, and we earnestly hope that some of the children benefiting from our enhanced STEM education will join us in the future.”
STEM Learning’s collaborative partnerships and substantial funding initiatives not only drive STEM education excellence but also provide school business leaders with the tools to ensure the success of their schools and nurture the next generation of STEM leaders.
Be the first to comment