Transition to HE Duncan Lawson, Professor STEM Education Coventry University

Disclaimer Avoid PTP duplication Maths focus

Two key periods After enrolment Before application

They cannot transition if they do not apply

Green shoots Science is becoming sexy - Brian Cox Increasing A level numbers

More Green shoots Global challenges (climate change, sustainability, alternative energy) need STEM to address them.

Financial climate Better employment prospects STEM seen as safe haven in difficult times

But.... Please, Sir – what job can I do with a maths degree?

Certificate in STEM Careers Guidance M level, validated by Glamorgan – IMA/Wales Spoke Collaboration

No room for complacency

Making maths more exciting IMA developed MLOCK equipment for Outreach and Careers Fairs

After enrolment Research has shown the first few weeks are crucial for retention

Maths – the STEM ogre

Many students require some additional academic support, especially in the mathematical skills required in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. NAO Report Staying the course

RSA report Solving the Maths Problem led to newspaper headlines such as University maths too difficult for British students

SCORE report: Maths topics assessed in a limited way or not at all Covered at a lower level of difficulty than required Impact on students’ ability to progress to STEM in HE

Boost your students with maths support

sigma is a fantastic example of institutions recognising genuine concerns in standards and acting in a positive way to address them. Students’ reports about the support they received were exceptionally positive.

Within HE-STEM, sigma has supported 22 new centres Wales spoke has set up 8 new centres

Adopters programme: Enhancing Maths Support Rob Wilson (Cardiff) winner of 2012 sigma prize

In conclusion: It’s premature to believe transition is all sewn up Much good practice But...