1. Dr Rachel Bibby Senior Regional Lead
The National STEM Learning Centre and Network & STEM Ambassadors
Dr Rachel Bibby
Senior Regional Lead

2. teaching quality was the most common answer to both questions
“Young people were asked what had encouraged them to learn science and what had discouraged them:
teaching quality was the most common answer to both questions
Encouragement – having a good teacher (58%)
Discouragement – having a bad teacher (43%)”
Wellcome Trust Monitor 2013

4. The National STEM learning Centre & Network At the epicentre of STEM support

5. Providing teachers and other educators with STEM-specific CPD
~50 Science Learning Partnerships across England

7. Network of Science Learning Partnerships
April 2013 – August 2015

8. Your Science Learning Partnership
Cumbria and North Lancashire
Queen Katherine High School, Kendal
Lead: Christina Watson Administrator: Charlene Athersmith
C Watson /

9. Curriculum linked, free of charge eLibrary resources

11. What independent evaluation tells us about our impact
Sustained engagement of schools with Network support is associated with improved teaching and learning as well as increased uptake and achievement in science.
Our professional development improves teachers’ subject and pedagogical knowledge, skills and confidence; resulting in better outcomes for young people.
Our CPD develops strong leadership in science [education] from primary to post-16, benefitting teachers, schools and young people.

12. What independent evaluation tells us about our impact ctd…
Engagement with the Network helps schools and colleges recruit and retain excellent teachers.
Our professional development enriches teaching, supporting young people’s engagement, progression and awareness of STEM careers.

13. inGenious – European Schoolnet/ EU research
Interest in STEM subject and enjoyment of lessons:
is a necessary pre-condition for career aspirations,
yet it is not sufficient and many young people, especially girls, who generally like STEM, don’t think of it as their future career choice.

14. The National STEM Learning Centre & Network, including STEM Ambassadors At the epicentre of STEM support

15. UK Commission for Employment and Skills (2015)
STEM Ambassadors
“The UK’s economic future lies in high value, innovative and knowledge- intensive activities. To pursue this course, a highly skilled science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce
is essential.”
UK Commission for Employment and Skills (2015)
“The government is committed to ensuring the UK remains at the edge of science, research and innovation. The STEM Ambassadors programme is an important part of our efforts to increase the supply of people with STEM skills in the economy.”
BEIS, 2016

16. Young people need help in seeing the relevance of what they learn at school
“One of the top methods of engaging students is through business involvement to give practical understanding of how STEM can be used in the wider world. Many CBI members already work hard at engaging with schools, but more must be done if we want tackle the widening skills gap, particularly for those with an interest in STEM subjects.”
CBI/Pearson Education & Skills Survey 2016

17. Those working with young people need support

18. STEM Ambassador Hubs 19 STEM Ambassador Hubs
3 Scotland
1 Northern Ireland
1 Wales
14 England
Supporting over 33,000 STEM Ambassadors

19. Examples of STEM Ambassador activity

20. Next steps…. Contact us:
Cumbria and North Lancashire Science Learning Partnership
Queen Katherine High School, Kendal
Christina Watson or Charlene Athersmith
C Watson /
Web: T:
STEM Ambassador Hub for Lancashire & Cumbria
STEM First Ltd
Web:
Tel:

21. Science Learning Network contacts in the North West:
Cumbria and North Lancashire
Queen Katherine High School, Kendal
Mid and South Lancashire, Blackpool,
Blackburn with Darwen
Ashton Community Science College, Preston
Greater Manchester
Manchester Communication Academy & The Primary Alliance for Learning
Cheshire & Stockport
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School & Sixth Form College
Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin
Keele Science Learning Centre

22. STEM Hubs across the UK www.stemnet.org.uk/regions/