Connecting STEM Teachers Programme Teacher · PDF fileCentral to the continued success of this project, ... Write a simpler version of the program which gives ... linked with a STEM

Thursday 6th July 2017

Connecting STEM Teachers Programme

Teacher Coordinator Celebration Event

Thursday 6th July 2017 10.30am—3.30pm

The Royal Academy of Engineering Prince Philip House, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5DG

Connecting STEM Teachers Programme

Teacher Coordinator Celebration Event

Generously supported byShellThe Helsington FoundationPetrofac LtdBoeing UK

Introduction The Connecting STEM Teachers (CST) programme was launched in 2011 and aims to create a national network of support for teachers across all STEM subjects, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to engage a greater number and wider spectrum of school students with STEM.

The programme is led by the Royal Academy of Engineering (the Academy) with generous support from Shell, the Helsington Foundation, Petrofac Limited and Boeing UK.

Teacher CoordinatorsCentral to the continued success of this project, which is now in its sixth year, is the work of the Academy’s Teacher Coordinators (TCs) who lead support networks for local STEM teachers across the UK.

The TCs are experienced teachers of STEM subjects whose core responsibilities are to:

nn disseminate free training and learning resources nn provide networking opportunities for teachersnn lead enhanced learning opportunities for pupils nn promote collaboration between STEM teachers nn help develop STEM learning resources

The TC team has now been increased from 39 to 45 members due to the generous support provided by Boeing UK at the start of this academic year.

1 Royal Academy of Engineering

STEM learning and teaching resourcesTeachers who attend network meetings, led by the TCs, all receive free, high quality STEM learning resources and training in their use.

These resources make connections between real world engineering and classroom topics. An evaluation of the CST programme has shown that this offer is a clear incentive for STEM teachers to engage with the programme and has led to the introduction and development of STEM enrichment in network schools.

The publications for the learning resources provided by TCs are all free to download from www.raeng.org.uk/education/schools

Adding valueA CST programme evaluation has shown that teachers are increasingly receiving fewer opportunities to develop pedagogy through collaboration with colleagues.

The CST programme provides regular opportunities for STEM teachers to share good practice and gradually break down subject silos.

The TCs’ work is also having an impact on the curricula of a number of network schools who are now using the Academy’s STEM learning resources to teach and enrich curriculum subjects.

New resources for 2017 included Mission to Mars, Aiming for Awesome, and Cyber Control.

Aircraftdesign

The aim of this resource is to give students the opportunity to investigate the impact of science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on aircraft design.

1918

2018

Royal Academy of EngineeringPrince Philip House, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 0600www.raeng.org.ukRegistered charity number 293074

Royal Academy of Engineering

As the UK’s national academy for engineering, we bring together the most successful and talented engineers for a shared purpose: to advance and promote excellence in engineering.

We have four strategic challenges:

Make the UK the leading nation for engineering innovationSupporting the development of successful engineering innovation and businesses in the UK in order to create wealth, employment and benefi t for the nation.

Address the engineering skills crisisMeeting the UK’s needs by inspiring a generation of young people from all backgrounds and equipping them with the high quality skills they need for a rewarding career in engineering.

Position engineering at the heart of societyImproving public awareness and recognition of the crucial role of engineers everywhere.

Lead the professionHarnessing the expertise, energy and capacity of the profession to provide strategic direction for engineering and collaborate on solutions to engineering grand challenges.

1918

Front cover image: <Credit here if needed>Back cover image: <Credit here if needed>

PROGRAMMING TASKPROGRAMMING TASKThe micro:bit can display a monochrome 5 x 5 pixel image.

Program the micro:bit to display a happy face when you press A and a sad face when you press B.

The program has been started for you:

1 ...... Write a simpler version of the program which gives the same outputs.

2 ...... What are the advantages of writing more simple computer programs?

To represent colours, more bits are used to store each pixel. The number of bits used to store each pixel is called the colour depth.

If two bits of information is used per pixel, then the pixel can be one of four colours. For example:

0 0 = White

0 1 = Red

1 0 = Green

1 1 = Blue

00 00 00 00 00

00 10 00 10 00

00 00 00 00 00

01 00 00 00 01

00 01 01 01 00

TIME to THINKTIME to THINK

?? How many colours are available if three bits of information are used per pixel?

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t/ba

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over

imag

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We provide analysis and policy support to promote the UK’s role as a great place to do business. We take a lead on engineering education and we invest in the UK’s world-class research base to underpin innovation. We work to improve public awareness and understanding of engineering.

We are a national academy with a global outlook and use our international partnerships to ensure that the UK benefits from international networks, expertise and investment.

We have four strategic objectives, each of which provides a key contribution to a strong and vibrant engineering sector and to the health and wealth of society.

Make the UK the leading nation for engineering innovationSupporting the development of successful engineering innovation and businesses in the UK in order to create wealth, employment and benefit for the nation.




Curriculum linksComputing: use programming languages;

understand a range of ways to use technology safely.

A STEM learning and teaching resources that shows how engineers have applied their knowledge to improve the security of the internet.

CYBERCYBERCONTROLCONTROL

Shutterstock.com

CYBERCYBERCONTROLCONTROL

This resource aims to give students the opportunity to investigate the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) of space exploration.

mission TO

marsH OW W I L L E N G I N E E R S M A K E I T P O S S I B L E

TO L I V E O N OT H E R P L A N E T S ?

STUDENT GUIDE

Generously supported by

Royal Academy of EngineeringPrince Philip House, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5DG

Tel: +44 (0)20 7766 0600www.raeng.org.ukRegistered charity number 293074

Front cover image: Shutterstock.com

Make the UK the leading nation for engineering innovationSupporting the development of successful engineering innovation and businesses in the UK in order to create wealth, employment and benefi t for the nation.






We provide analysis and policy support to promote the UK’s role as a great place to do business. We take a lead on engineering education and we invest in the UK’s world-class research base to underpin innovation. We work to improve public awareness and understanding of engineering.

We are a national academy with a global outlook and use our international partnerships to ensure that the UK benefi ts from international networks, expertise and investment.

We have four strategic objectives, each of which provides a key contribution to a strong and vibrant engineering sector and to the health and wealth of society.

2 Connecting STEM Teachers Programme / Teacher Coordinator Celebration Event / Thursday 6th July 2017

176Network meetings

1,032Meeting attendees

Network headline figuresEach year, TCs lead STEM learning experiences for their network schools, teachers and pupils.

The impact of this is delivered through termly meetings and annual collaborative projects.

The collaborative project provides opportunities for primary and secondary school pupils and teacher from local schools to come together and participate in a diverse range of STEM activities, interactive workshops, festivals and learning experiences across the UK.

1,053Network teachers

103,471Total estimated

beneficiaries

757Network

schools

542Network schools

which took part in network

meetings

* Figures represent the last three complete terms, i.e. Summer 2016, Autumn 2016 and Spring 2017

Boys 51,677

Girls 51,794


Average network teacher specialisms

Collaborative project attendee figures

Collaborative project student participant BME and FSM figures

D&T 28%

Science 44%

Maths 14%

Engineering 8%

ICT 6%

2014

2015

Totalstudents

Total students

Totalstudents

773962

1,048

Boys 393

Boys 527

Girls 380

Girls 435

Teachers 155

Teachers 120 Teachers

154

Boys 558

Girls 490

2016

Free school meals students

Black & minority ethnic students (BME)

2014 2015 2016

41

85

87

152

168

130


Teacher Coordinators’ locations1 Crowborough, East Sussex Amanda Courtney2 Horsforth, Leeds Andrew Carruthers3 Wem, Shropshire Andrew Gilbert4 Didcot, Oxfordshire Andrew Leech5 Woking Andrew McVean6 Wokingham Annie Price-Beglin7 Lowestoft Anthony Vaughan-Evans8 Kettering Arthur Harwood9 Colchester, Essex Beverly Moloney

10 Preston Chris Wallis11 Oxfordshire Claudia Clarke12 Limavady, County Londonderry Desmond O’Connor13 Gateshead David Thomas14 Fulham, SW London Eleanor Lucas15 Penkridge, Staffs Emily Northwoord16 Boston Gareth Richards17 Bath Garrod Musto18 Coventry Gaynor Sharp19 Southampton Holly Aiston20 Edinburgh Irene Somerville21 Sheffield Jorden Birch22 Norwich Kate Finlay23 Maidstone, Kent Krissi Pink24 Portsmouth Laura Chisholm25 Bodmin, Cornwall Lorraine Drybrough26 Perth Martin Reid27 Trafford, Greater Manchester Martin Simmons28 Axminster, Devon Michael Cronk29 Warrington Michael McAteer30 County Durham Michael Nelson31 Aberdare, South Wales Peter Thomas32 Colwyn Bay, North Wales Philip Sutton33 Glasgow Rebecca Sowden34 Bridgend, South Wales Richard Daniel35 Hull Richard Davies36 Banchory, Aberdeenshire Rob Gray37 Midhurst, West Sussex Scott Atkinson38 Hoddesdon, Herts Stuart Higham39 Ealing Sushila Hirani40 Bristol Terry Watts & Sam Lawrence41 Nottingham Tom Cookson42 Belfast Tom Lavey43 Birmingham Tracey O’Connor44 New Cross, SE London Tunde Orelaja45 Newham Yeasmin Mortuza

London schools


Regional Programme school locationsBarrow

1 Barrow Island Community Primary School2 Barrow 6th Form College3 Burlington C of E School4 Dowdales School5 Furness Academy7 George Romney Junior School8 Holy Family Catholic Primary School9 Low Furness CE Primary School

10 Newbarns Primary School11 Pennington Primary School12 South Walney Junior School13 St Bernard’s Catholic High School14 St Pius X Catholic Primary School15 Ulverston Victoria High School16 Victoria Academy17 Walney School

Lowestoft

1 Carlton Colville Primary School2 Corton V C Primary School3 East Point Academy4 Lowestoft College5 Lowestoft Sixth Form College6 Ormiston Denes Academy7 Pakefield High School8 Pakefield Primary School9 Red Oak Primary

10 Roman Hill Primary11 Somerleyton Primary school12 St Margaret’s Primary 13 St Mary’s Primary14 Westwood Primary School15 Woods Loke Primary School


Holly became a TC in 2016 and during her initial year, she has grown a network of more than 20 primary and secondary schools, linked with a STEM learning hub and ambassadors.

Holly has joined forces with Laura, our TC from Portsmouth to run a collaborative project which sees schools from both networks join together to enjoy a collective experience. Pupils will attend a STEM festival at the Winchester Science Centre, exploring the recently opened Invention Studio and meeting representatives from the STEM industry whilst learning about future career paths.

Holly ran a ‘people like me’ workshop for mums and daughters in her school. Working with WISE (women in Science and Engineering), parents and pupils enjoyed the opportunity to work together and learn more about STEM careers for women.

Region: South East Specialism: Science

St Anne’s Catholic School, Southampton Teacher Coordinator since January 2016

Generously supported by the Helsington Foundation

Holly Aiston

Students love the learning

resource boxes! Currently looking

forward to my first collaborative project,

Hampshire STEM Festival – a joint

venture with Portsmouth’s Laura

Chisholm and the Hampshire and Air

Ambulance!”


Scott has been a teacher of Design/Technology and Engineering for twenty years in both the state and private education sectors. He is passionate about collaboration between schools from diverse social and economic backgrounds bringing them together to enjoy STEM learning and breaking down the perspective that engineering is not inclusive for all.

He has a strong network with more than 30 primary and secondary schools, university partners and industrial links. He has used his contacts to develop inspiring and engaging inter-schools’ projects such as the hovercraft challenge day and most recently a STEM festival with over 600 pupils participating.

Scott has planned a Drone @ttack collaborative project for the summer of 2017, working with STEM Sussex and The Smallpiece Trust to develop a simulating experience for 10 secondary schools and 80 pupils in the southeast region.

Region: South East Specialism: Design and Technology

The Royal Academy of Engineering, London Teacher Coordinator since April 2012

Generously supported by Shell

Scott Atkinson

Teacher Coordinators are role models for

teachers who are passionate about creating inspiring

STEM learning opportunities for

their pupils.”


Annie held several meetings this year, supporting new members to the network with her valuable knowledge and experience of engineering and design/technology. She has also linked a number schools with industrial partnerships such as 3M and has used a variety of resource boxes with effect. Annie has also put her networking skills to good use by identifying opportunities to support and train schools with limited STEM provision.

Annie plans to bring some extra fun to her collaborative project this year by bringing the human face into engineering and demonstrating how engineers impact our lives. Currently she is also exploring ways in which she can enhance the impact the project will have with participating pupils.

Annie is passionate about ‘women in STEM’ and the recruitment of girls will be one of the key focuses of her approach. Amongst the several network and regional achievements, Annie has also been involved in a mum and daughter event, holding an evening of interactive experiences which informed attendees about career opportunities in Science and

Engineering. Annie aims to launch an ambitious STEM initiative with 15 primary schools and 300 pupils later in the academic year.

Region: South East Specialism: Design/Technology with Engineering

St Crispin’s School, Wokingham Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Annie Beglin

Bringing Harry Potter to a new

generation through the BBC MicroBit

computer processor.”


Jorden became a TC in 2016. She has a background in biomedical engineering and is the STEM coordinator for her school. She successfully combines these roles to develop STEM education for her pupils and those in her network of schools. Jorden has 11 schools in the Yorkshire and Humber area and has recently trained those attending her meetings to deliver the ‘Existence at the Extreme’ resources.

Jorden uses her partnership with the Sheffield Council STEM coordinator to create a greater awareness and understanding for head teachers and senior management as to the value of STEM education in their schools.

Year 8 and 9 pupils will soon be taught how to become STEM ambassadors themselves through a programme offered by the Institute of Physics. This will give pupils the opportunity to be advocates of science so that they can promote STEM to a wider school’s community.

Region: Yorkshire and the Humber Specialism: Science

Wales High School, Sheffield Teacher Coordinator since January 2016


Jorden Birch

Through my teaching

coordinator role, I have been asked to represent the Academy at the

International Women in Engineering Day.”


Andrew has held several network meetings already this year providing teachers with the resources and training to deliver smart materials lessons with confidence and in a context that engages pupils. He was also asked in his capacity as a TC, to present the CST programme to STEM ambassadors located within his region.

This has resulted in further opportunities being created to develop and build his own network. Andrew has made good use of the restocked resource boxes: ‘Deployable Structures’ and ‘Drones: Friend or Foe’, which he has distributed across his network. This has been very well received by those teachers new to his network with more pupils engaged in the activities than ever before. Andrew has built partnerships with school’s career coordinators, organising STEM ambassadors to discuss future engineering pathways during taster sessions in their schools.

Andrew will be working alongside the national STEM centre for his collaborative project this year, organising a residential day for teachers to learn about developments in the

STEM curricula and resource training.

Region: Yorkshire and the Humber Specialism: Design and Technology

Horsforth School, Leeds Teacher Coordinator since September 2011


Andrew Carruthers

Providing teachers with

the resources and training to deliver

smart materials lessons with

confidence and in a context, that engages pupils.”


Laura became a TC in 2016. Her infectious enthusiasm and energy for the CST programme has helped to develop a network of more than twenty schools in the Portsmouth area. Schools along the south coast are well reported for having a ‘hard to reach’ reputation. This has not deterred Laura, but in fact reinforced her determination to deliver an inclusive STEM experience for all.

Laura puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She is actively involved in the education of young teachers, providing them with the tools and resources to develop their practice. For her first collaborative project, Laura will be working with her neighbouring TC in Southampton to deliver a STEM festival.

Her local STEM hub, the Winchester Science Centre will host this event which will give them the opportunity to explore the recently opened Invention Studio, meet representatives from the STEM industry and learn about future career paths.


St Edmund’s Catholic School, Portsmouth Teacher Coordinator since January 2016


Laura Chisholm

I have been working with

Portsmouth and surrounding area schools for just over a year now

and have had some great feedback on the resource boxes

- students have loved them!”


Claudia is one of the Academy’s longest serving TCs having joined the team at the very start of the Connecting STEM teachers programme.

Always keen to introduce new initiatives, Claudia is currently working with Iteach UK on a new initiative which aims to benefit pupils from her schools’ network with a wider range of STEM opportunities. Iteach supports schools by utilising tablet technology to maximise impact on learning experiences. Claudia also uses the Academy’s resources to deliver a series of STEM activities during open morning sessions, where parents as well as pupils can gain hands-on experience of STEM in practice.

Claudia has recently moved schools and aims to develop her network and new position in school through this year’s collaborative project. This year’s project will be based on the Cycle Helmet Challenge, which uses STEM subject skills to investigate key features of design and manufacture whilst investigating aerodynamic principles.

Claudia is a strong role model for the teachers in her network and has made a positive impact in STEM learning in her area.

Region: South West Specialism: Design and Technology

The Cotswold School, Cheltenham Teacher Coordinator since March 2013


Claudia Clarke

After moving areas, I have

been developing a new network and

will be delivering the Cycle Helmet Design

Challenge during the collaborative

project.”


Tom joined the Connecting STEM teachers programme in January 2017 and has built a network of six schools in his first term as a TC.

He is establishing himself in the STEM landscape, getting to know his network whilst gauging the interest for possible collaborative projects in the future.

Tom was inspired by his recent school trip to the national Big Bang Fair event held annually at the NEC in Birmingham.

He has also started to develop links with the Nottingham Trent University, partnering his school with a scientist. He has also managed to gain some backing from the Royal Society, which can only spell positive things for his future.

Region: Midlands Specialism: Design and Technology

The West Bridgford School, Nottingham Teacher Coordinator since January 2017

Generously supported by Boeing UK

Tom Cookson

I have enjoyed the start I’ve

made in my role as a TC, attracting

some enthusiastic members to the

network and hosting my first network meeting.

I’m looking forward to getting involved

in some inspirational STEM robotics

or rocket vehicle projects.”


Teachers from Michael’s network working with the Drones: friend or

foe? STEM learning resource

Amanda joined the Connecting STEM teachers programme in May 2017, becoming a TC for Kent and East Sussex.

She has found her initial experience both rewarding and enjoyable. She is a Design and Technology teacher and holds responsibility for the delivery of STEM learning in her school.

Amanda has made a quick start to the consultancy, linking with regional schools to develop her network and learning to train teachers using the Royal Academy of Engineering’s learning resource Drone: Friend or Foe.

Amanda is being mentored by Holly Aisten, TC from the Southampton area and they are exploring the idea of a joint collaborative project together next year.

Region: East Sussex Specialism: Design and Technology

Beacon Academy, East Sussex Teacher Coordinator since May 2017


Amanda Courtney

As one of the newest TC’s I am

hoping to build on the STEM success

in my school to the rest of the local

school community. I am confident that

there is a huge appetite for STEM

across East Sussex and can’t wait

to have my first network meeting.”


Since joining the Connecting STEM teachers programme in 2015, Michael has developed a network of secondary school teachers and university contacts, industrial and commercial partners, as well as a regional hub for STEM learning. Michael has a passion for robotics and for encouraging pupils to learn modern programming skills.

During this year’s collaborative project teams of pupils from four schools were given the task to design and build a robot that performs a variety of tasks, such as collecting and moving objects, finding a route out of a maze and performing a synchronised dance to music. All this will be achieved by using the BBC MicroBit, giving pupils the opportunity to program in their own individual and hopefully successful way.

Michael is also involved in a VEX scrimmage. He recently secured five free kits to give to his network schools to take part in the challenge.

Region: South West Specialism: Computing

Colyton Grammar School, Colyton Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Michael Cronk

52 students from four

local schools enjoyed working together to take

on challenges and learn about

opportunities for studying

Engineering at university.”


Richard is an energetic TC who has worked hard to provide high quality STEM learning and teaching opportunities for the students and teachers in his local school’s network. He has embedded STEM into his own school curriculum and uses his real-world engineering expertise and experience to add value to the training he provides using the Academy’s resources.

One of the many positive features of Richard’s work has been the upskilling of teachers in the use of the Drones: Friend or Foe resource and the STEM for Girls collaborative project, which he is planning in partnership with Swansea University. He is currently developing a digital resource which targets various elements of the digital Competency Framework for Wales.

Since the start of his consultancy in 2013, Richard has coordinated STEM partnership projects with primary schools and regularly runs KS3 activity and enrichment days. These events are part of the ‘Reaching Wider’ programme which targets socially disadvantaged schools in the Swansea area.

Region: South Wales Specialism: Design and Technology

Cynffig Comprehensive School, Mid Glamorgan Teacher Coordinator since March 2013


Richard Daniel

This year has seen a further

evolution of the SW Wales network

with Swansea schools and the Reaching Wider

programme from Swansea University.

We continue the quest to broaden our engagement

with science within each of our

schools.”


Richard is a Teacher Trainer and University Lecturer in Secondary Science at the University of Hull. He has also been a CST TC since 2011 with means he brings considerable value and expertise to the programme. Richard provides both teachers and pupils the opportunity to experience STEM learning in a higher education capacity. He also promotes the Academy’s core aims to the next generation of science teachers who use the resources provided in their placement schools.

Richard is planning a robotics collaborative project based on Lego Mindstorms equipment demonstrated during a TC training day. This will be hosted at the University of Hull and involves teams from all girl schools.

Richard also wants to address the issue of under representation of women in STEM. With his considerable contacts and comprehensive networks, we are sure he will have an impact in achieving this.

Region: Yorkshire and the Humber Specialism: Science, and teacher education

University of Hull, Faculty of Education, Hull Teacher Coordinator since September 2011


Richard Davies

Providing high quality

STEM learning and teaching

opportunities for the students and

teachers in my local school’s network.”


Before joining the CST programme in 2015, Lorraine’s background was in the computing industry. Therefore, she still has strong working relationships with the computing departments at Universities in Falmouth and Plymouth, that she utilises to benefit her schools network. These partnerships have led to the development of some innovative ideas for enriching computing and science, such as Lego Mindstorms programming and Siemens Science resources.

Sixty-four students from diverse social backgrounds participated in the Collaborative project in January, programming and building their own robot. Students learn to steer and navigate using a combination of sensors and smart phone applications. Principles of mathematics were taught through the disciplines of measuring distances, angles and speed.

Lorraine’s other achievements include a successful all girls VEX team at the Big Bang Fair, participation in the computational thinking run by Council for the Advancement of

Standards (CAS) in Higher Education and the IBM NESTA Longitude Challenge.


Bodmin College, Bodmin Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Lorraine Drybrough

Developing creative and

innovative ideas for enriching computing

and science.”


It has been a successful first year as a TC for Kate. She has made a great start by building a network of 15 secondary and two primary schools while leading training in the use of learning STEM resources. For her first collaborative project, Kate is developing a programmable technology competition. This ‘project based’ challenge starts in her networked schools with pupils working together in teams before culminating at a competition day at Kate’s school.

The event will also see keynote speakers from STEM education and representatives from industrial and commercial partners demonstrate what career opportunities exist after education.

Kate is an advocate of girls in STEM, focusing on developing knowledge and understanding of electronics and programming. She has built strong links with STEM and educational agencies Such as Kitroniks, Microsoft and Techsoft, who are firmly behind her as she establishes herself in her second year.

Region: East of England Specialism: Design and Technology

Hethersett Academy, Norwich Teacher Coordinator since April 2016


Kate Finlay

Working with STEM ideas

in Design and Technology.

Creating links with industry to introducing

STEM activities for students.”




Andrew joined the Connecting STEM teachers programme in January 2017 and has built a network of six schools in his first term as a TC.

He is establishing an understanding of the STEM landscape and provision in this region as well as meeting local school representatives to provide resources and training on behalf of the Academy. Andrew has also made strong links with primary schools, providing support with specialist equipment used in secondary education and inviting them to future events.

Andrew has invited STEM learning and the RAF to his next network meeting as he develops the context for his first collaborative project.

Region: North West Midlands Specialism: Science

Thomas Adams School, Shropshire Teacher Coordinator since January 2017


Andrew Gilbert

I am proud to bring together

Shropshire schools to network at our first STEM event

along with the RAF and local businesses

to promote the ambassador program.

Looking forward to the future of Shropshire

STEM with great excitement!”


Rob has established a comprehensive network of schools in the north-east of Scotland and is planning to use his newly formed partnership with VEX and Innovative First to run a robotics challenge for his collaborative project. Pupils will learn to code as well as design and build their own robot. These robots will be put through a series of challenges on the day.

STEM provision in these remote schools has been enhanced through Rob’s training and distribution of the Academy’s wide range of resource boxes. The bi-annual Science Festival he organises has been a huge success, with several projects from several schools being showcased at the event.

Pupils from different year groups all had the opportunity to display and talk about the STEM activities they have been involved in.

Region: Scotland Specialism: Science

Banchory Academy, Kincardineshire Teacher Coordinator since September 2014

Generously supported by Petrofac Ltd

Robin Gray

The RAE Connecting STEM

Teacher programme is something

I feel very proud to be part of.”


Arthur joined the CST programme in 2015 and is an assistant Head teacher who brings extensive experience of leading whole school STEM learning to the TC team from a senior leadership perspective.

Arthur has more than 40 schools in his network plus supportive partnerships with Unilever, the University of Northampton and other STEM coordinators in the region. His network meetings are consistently well attended, introducing new initiatives, sharing and developing ideas for his collaborative project and training and distributing the Academy’s recent STEM resources.

Building on the success of last year’s regional STEM day, Arthur is planning another project with his networked schools on the theme of ‘Best of British’. The day will be targeting Year 9 pupils with an aim to promote STEM education as a GCSE option.

A variety of hands on STEM based activities, will give more than 100 pupils the chance to put their creativity and problem-solving skills to work, whilst working on these fun design-and-make projects. STEM Ambassadors as well as under graduates from University of Northampton will support pupils and teachers to find out about the career of the Ambassadors and beyond.

Region: East Midlands Specialism: Science

Bishop Stopford School, Northamptonshire Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Arthur Harwood

Currently working on

Northamptonshire’s second STEM Day a collaborative project

with 28 regional schools.”


Stuart has achieved several key goals this year, most notably, his school’s qualification for the world finals of the VEX Robotics International Competition. He saw his team of male and female students compete against the most successful teams from around the world to design, build and program their robots in this year’s competition which was held in Kentucky, USA. This was not just a valuable experience for the pupils but also demonstrates the next step in STEM development.

This has been a very busy and productive time in Stuart’s network and there is a genuine feeling that the STEM curricula is now a key focus and priority in many schools in his area. Stuart is now a recognised STEM figure in his region as he shares his experience, expertise and Academy resources with local schools and teachers as his network grows.

Stuart will be working with Setpoint, an educational charity whose aim is to inspire young people about STEM through hands-on experience. Stuart would like to improve the communication links between schools and use Big Bang 2018 to showcase how collaboration between networked schools can support STEM learning and engage pupils working together from different schools.

Region: East of England Specialism: Engineering

The John Warner School, Hoddesdon Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Stuart Higham

Delighted to take a school

team to participate in the VEX World Championships in

Kentucky, USA.”


Sushila has now completed two terms as a TC for the Connecting STEM Teachers programme. She continues to build her network of schools in her third term, establishing contacts with teachers, STEM coordinators and subject advisors in the west of London.

Sushila is a member of the Southall Waterside development project and is working with the British Army to run a STEM surge day to promote women in engineering. Sushila has enjoyed successful participation with the First Lego League, Greenpower and HS2 Energy quest. These are fantastic initiatives which she has been involved in that can be shared with her network.

Sushila is exploring links with civil engineering companies with the aim of promoting career education linked to transportation, water, energy and structural engineering.

Region: West London Specialism: Design and Technology

Greenford High School, Middlesex Teacher Coordinator since July 2016


Sushila Hirani

STEM continues to grow clubs

and Greenpower racing working with

HS2, The British Army and Southall

Waterside Development.”


Before working for the Ulster University’s Centre for Widening Access and Participation, Tom was an established and well respected teacher of science in schools in Belfast and the surrounding area.

He joined the CST programme in January 2012 and has made a significant impact on pupils STEM learning and schools access to Academy resources.

Tom has an inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm as a TC, providing an outstanding level of support for his network members. He is truly inclusive in his approach to offering opportunities to all, diligently planning and running annual VEX challenge days for all the diverse types of Belfast schools.

Region: Northern Ireland Specialism: Science and widening access and participation expert

University of Ulster, County Antrim Teacher Coordinator since January 2012


Tom Lavery

Students speak confidently and enthusiastically

about the Academy’s

learning resources and the collaborative

project they participate in.”


Andrew is now a well-established TC with two years’ experience. He has a strong network of schools in the south east of England and he continues to build his industrial partnerships with a local company that’s leading secondary power distribution solutions.

Lucy Electrics specialises in high-performance switchgears for commercial applications. They also deploy their STEM ambassadors / engineers to work with pupils in schools on collaborative projects and activities. This partnership provides those participating with knowledge and understanding of engineering in practice as well as an insight into career paths, apprenticeships and graduate programmes.

Andrew has also organised site visits for schools to experience practical applications that take place in the design and manufacturing departments. This culminated in a presentation day where school teams enjoyed a guided tour of the factory and the opportunity to present and discuss the impact of their projects.

Region: South East Specialism: Design/Technology with Engineering

St Birinus School, Didcot Teacher Coordinator since April 2015


Andrew Leech

Building school and industrial

partnerships with a local company that

is leading secondary power distribution

solutions.”


Eleanor has successfully built a network of 18 schools in her region since taking over from Shahid Hussain in 2015.

She has made excellent use of the ‘Existence at the Extreme’ resource with her schools and incorporated the activities into the Science Curriculum and Geography enrichment lessons.

Eleanor is keen to develop links with primary schools in her area, identifying that there is a need for STEM inclusion in these schools.

Region: London Specialism: Science

London Oratory School, London Teacher Coordinator since September 2015


Eleanor Lucas

Incorporating RAE learning

resources into the Science Curriculum

and Geography enrichment lessons.”




Beverly joined the Connecting STEM teachers programme in May 2017, becoming a TC for Essex.

She has found her initial experience both rewarding and enjoyable. She is a Design and Technology teacher and holds responsibility for the delivery of STEM learning in her school. She is working with the Colchester Institute to put on an Engineering day at their new STEM Centre. Year 9 students from 120 Braintree schools will be coming along for a day of workshops and employer marketplace.

Beverly has made a quick start to the consultancy, linking with regional schools to develop her network and learning to train teachers using the Royal Academy of Engineering’s learning resource Drone: Friend of Foe. Beverly is being mentored by Laura Chisholm, a TC from the Portsmouth area.

Region: East of England Specialism: Design and Technology

Gilberd School, Colchester Teacher Coordinator since May 2017


Beverly Maloney

Working alongside local

industry and having a support network

has been key to the success of STEM.”


When Michael joined the Connecting STEM Teachers programme he brought a range of computing industry and school experience that helped to develop the knowledge base and skills of the TC team.

He also brought experience of accessing Royal Society grants for STEM enrichment based on pupil research projects.

Since moving school (and local Authority) in 2015, Michael has worked to develop a new network of schools. This is a challenging process, but has led to him identifying a cohort of schools that are keen to participate in an inter-school collaborative project in the Autumn term based around carbon/nutrient dynamics and fluxes. The project is supported by the University of Liverpool.

Region: North West Specialism: Computing

Lymm High School, Lymm Teacher Coordinator since January 2013


Michael McAteer

I am working with teachers

across the north-west

region to help engage young

people with STEM careers. My areas

of expertise are computer science,

manufacturing and robotics.”


Andrew enjoys well attended network meetings which he adapts to fit busy schedules. Large numbers of pupils within his network benefit from the resources and training provided. His schools have active STEM enrichment programmes and the backing of head teachers, principals and senior management to support the momentum of his initiatives. Andrews inclusive approach to his work demonstrates that he understands the importance of recruiting girls in STEM, encouraging colleagues to focus on female focused use of resources and the benefits of having mixed gender groups.

Andrew is also developing an astronomy themed collaborative project delivered to STEM clubs in his school’s network. He will host a presentation evening to showcase the photography that young astronomers have taken.

Andrew has made some valuable contacts with industry this year, like SATRO who offer a range of opportunities including application into a Siemens competitions, which he intends to participate in. KS4 and 5 students have enjoyed open lectures at the Royal Holloway University, London and funding opportunities to take part in the national Greenpower electric

car racing, which is currently being considered.


Fullbrook School, New Haw Teacher Coordinator since October 2013


Andrew McVean

STEM focus on astronomy;

making telescopes, studying the universe and

using Raspberry Pi to do some

very challenging programming and

engineering.”


Garrod has been a dedicated and consistent TC since the start of the CST programme in 2012. Sadly, Garrod will be moving to an overseas position at the end of the academic year leaving a well-supported and comprehensive network in the south-west of England. The Academy would like to thank him for the hard work he has undertaken during the five years of his consultancy and wish him all the very best for the future.

Garrod will be replaced by Sean Thomas who has worked alongside Garrod on several projects. Sean will inherit the network and we are sure will successfully develop and build on Garrod’s achievements.

Garrod recognises the opportunities the Academy has given him to develop his understanding of the STEM agenda in schools. He appreciates the CST programmes ability to raise the profile of engineering across the UK and has enjoyed the camaraderie shared with fellow coordinators. He aims to continue to champion the cause in his new post.

Region: South West Specialism: Mathematics

Kingswood School, Bath Teacher Coordinator since April 2012


Garrod Musto

Delighted to be part of such a

wonderful group of supportive

professionals that have collectively

developed resources, shared them widely

throughout the UK and most

importantly have helped thousands of students nationally

to realise the role that Engineering

plays today.”


Michael is an experienced teacher and curriculum leader in Design/Technology and Engineering with expertise in mobile and programmable digital robotics. He now works with schools and employers to develop interactive programmes designed to engage pupils and develop skills and knowledge through STEM learning. Michael undertakes the Academy’s core aims, that these subjects are key to securing opportunities and career paths for future generations.

Michael has one of the largest networks in the CST programme, enthusiastically introducing interesting and relevant items to his meetings. These include speakers from STEM learning ambassador programmes in the region and training on the Academy’s resources.

For his collaborative project, Michael used robotics to engage pupils with an aim to encourage the uptake of STEM at GCSE level. This was an ambitious series of events that looked to develop the investment of VEX in schools.

Region: North East Specialism: Design and Technology

Independent Educational Consultant Teacher Coordinator since September 2012


Michael Nelson

I have enjoyed seeing students

and staff working together, enjoying

STEM activities such as Regional and National VEX

Competitions.”


Emily joined the Connecting STEM teachers programme in January 2017 and has built a network of three schools in her first term as a TC.

She is establishing an understanding of the STEM landscape and provision in her region and runs a CREST accredited STEM club in her school.

During the summer term, Emily will deliver her first network meeting, providing training and distributing resources to her initial members. Emily also plans to visit schools interested in joining the CST programme who are unable to commit to the date of the first meeting.

Region: West Midlands Specialism: Science

Penkridge Middle School, Stafford Teacher Coordinator since January 2013


Emily Northwood

I continue to build my

network of schools in Staffordshire

and teachers are excited to

share the learning resource boxes with

the students in their STEM clubs.”


Desmond is a Computing specialist with industry experience. His schools form part of the Roe Valley Learning Community, bringing together students and teachers from different communities to enhance their STEM education.

His network meetings are well attended and the learning resource training and activities he provides have been very well received by his colleagues in his local schools. These resources are embedded within the KS3 STEM curriculum and clubs. Links are now being established with the engineering and construction courses at local colleges and A Level Design/Technology students participate in the ‘Step Up’ to engineering programme at Ulster University.

For his collaborative project Desmond focused on the links between food technology and sciences, raising awareness of the catering industry and highlighting career pathways in food manufacture. He used resources to provide specialist training on how to deliver the activity, organised a manufacturing site trip for pupils and organised a team building day

for general science and home economics teachers.

Region: Northern Ireland Specialism: Computing

St Mary’s High School, County Londonderry Teacher Coordinator since January 2013


Des O’Connor

Sharing Education through

STEM – greatest achievement

has been the embedding of a

STEM programme of study for year 8

that is delivered on a Sharing Education

basis between two local post primary

schools.”


Since becoming a TC in 2016, Tracey has continued to make an excellent contribution to the programme. Her school is the hub for the Ogden Trust’s Birmingham Southside partnership and she has utilised this network to promote the Academy’s programme and learning resources.

Tracey is keen to develop primary partnerships, involving more schools in events she has organised such as the KS2 ‘Fun with Forces’ day. She is also the STEM lead for her school and has trained as the lead for professional development in science education. She is developing a pilot scheme supported by the Academy to engage KS3 students in a live project working with industrial partners and exploring themes of work readiness and the theory of change model.

Tracey will soon trial a MicroBit and Virtual STEM learning project with her Key Stage 3 students. This will then be rolled out to primary schools in her network with secondary school STEM ambassador students delivering the project and mentor young learners through the activities.

Region: Midlands Specialism: Design and Technology

Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Birmingham Teacher Coordinator since January 2016


Tracey O’Connor

The TC role has enabled me

to draw upon these existing alliances to bring together STEM colleagues

who share a vision of providing a rich and engaging STEM curriculum for our

young people.”




It has been a successful first year as a TC for Tunde. He has made a good start to his consultancy, bringing experience from the construction and engineering industry to the position and developing a network of 11 secondary schools. His network is extending into Bromley and Croydon and he is encouraging specialist schools to join in the future.

For his first collaborative project and in partnership with the Lego Education Academy, Tunde organised a Mindstorms workshop day for three of his networked schools. He brought robotics and programming to a diverse range of students from a variety of social backgrounds. Many of the students who participated on the day have since gone onto entering the EPP Lego Robotics Challenge this year.

Tunde has been busy making links with STEM professionals in his region. Pupils have enjoyed a diverse series of lectures from an Aerospace Missile Architect for MBDA Systems and leading figures from the world of Chemical Engineering.

Region: London Specialism: Design and Technology

Haberdasher’s Aske’s Hatcham College, Lewisham Teacher Coordinator since April 2016


Tunde Orelaja

This is why we do STEM!

Sheer joy here with students enjoying making propellers

and Tunde test driving a Tesla

electric car with driver auto pilot

on. Driving 40 mph with no hands.

“Our future is in their hands””


Krissi is an experienced TC who has successfully coordinated networks in Kent and in the Medway area. She has the full support of the senior leadership and the science and maths department in her school, to deliver engaging STEM days for each year group in her school throughout the academic year. Krissi uses her contacts with local industry and engineers to recruit STEM ambassadors to deliver these and is proactive in developing new partnerships for her network. Donald Stevens who led the design team for the land speed record in Bluebird recently delivered an entertaining talk on breaking speed records.

STEM week has evolved into STEM month which demonstrates the value placed on the activities and challenges she organises. Krissi has an exciting collaborative challenge planned with teams of pupils from both primary and secondary schools competing in a VEX robotics and bomb disposal challenges as well as a leaf-blowing hovercraft and coding competition. A day that is sure to engage and entertain those participating.

Sharing ideas and resources continue to be an important aspect of what Krissi does, with network meetings shared and hosted amongst her schools.

Region: South East Specialism: Mathematics

Invicata Grammar School, Kent Teacher Coordinator since January 2013


Krissi Pink

After moving schools my

network has continued to

grow. Last July 15 schools took

part in our network collaborative project

involving over 100 primary and

secondary school students.”


Martin is an experienced teacher of innovation design and technology with extensive involvement in school management and leadership. He has 11 networked schools who share his enthusiasm for the implementation of STEM learning across the Perthshire region. Meetings focus on training individuals on the Academy’s learning resources. Existence at the Extremes has proved that popular schools with more than 1500 pupils benefit from the activities being built into the lower school curriculum.

Martin is busy preparing for his first collaborative project researching engaging opportunities and sharing ideas and good practice with his network. He is developing links with the Computing at Schools (CAS) initiative, preparing a ‘Barefoot’ project to develop programming and coding skills in the next generation of young learners.

STEM is well established in Martin’s area due to the engagement and positive response from teachers in his network. Confidence to deliver STEM in schools has grown and the

impact of pupil’s keen to continue to further and higher education is encouraging.

Region: Scotland Specialism: Design and Technology

The Community School of Auchterarder, Perthshire Teacher Coordinator since April 2016


Martin Reid

Not only have we got 10

networked schools involved, we have

established a STEM team with in each school which has

representation from all subject areas

of STEM.”


Gareth is an experienced Design and Technology specialist who has been a TC since the Connecting STEM Teachers project was launched. During these 6 years, his network has flourished with twenty-six secondary schools, seven primaries and several partnerships with external organisations in the Lincolnshire area.

Gareth has worked with his network members to devise and plan an ambitious collaborative project involving 14 schools providing opportunities to develop cross curricular STEM skills such a team work, communication and problem solving.

The ‘Think like an Engineer’ project evolved from the Academy’s research study high-lighting the need to develop engineering skills and attributes through education and learning. Gareth’s projects are always accessible to pupils from diverse social backgrounds, focusing on brainteaser activities, design and develop, model and make challenges.

Amongst Gareth’s several other achievements this year, pupils in his engineering club are participating in a Velocipede challenge, designing and building their own human-powered land vehicle to race against other schools.

Region: East Midlands Specialism: Science

Boston Grammar School, Lincolnshire Teacher Coordinator since January 2012


Gareth Richards

The Connecting STEM Teachers programme is a

great opportunity for teachers and

students alike to broaden their

knowledge and to engage with a wide range of resources.”


Gaynor is one of the Academy’s longest serving TCs having joined the consultancy team in 2012. She is the STEM learning regional contract holder in the West Midlands and field officer for the Association for Science Education. This adds considerable value to the Connecting STEM teachers programme. Her access to STEM Ambassadors and local engineering businesses is a real benefit to her network of schools and provides them with opportunities to network with and learn from practicing engineers.

Gaynor’s network meetings are always very well attended, thereby having an impact on large numbers of students who become involved with Academy resources and activities. Gaynor adopts a teach-meet approach, allowing experienced teachers in their specialist the opportunity to share good practice.

Gaynor will be running two simultaneous VEX robotics collaborative project this year with a knock out inter-school’s competition. The focus is on problem solving through

team work and developing decision-making skills in a fun and engaging way.

Region: West Midlands Specialism: Science

Samphire STEM, Coventry Teacher Coordinator since January 2012


Gaynor Sharp

STEM inspires teachers in

the Coventry and Warks region to understand the

value of learning in a cross curricular manner using the

Academy’s brilliant resources.”


A former engineer, Martin joined the CST programme at its launch in 2011. He is an accomplished design, technology and engineering teacher and over the past six years has consistently led high quality continued professional development sessions and meetings to the benefit of his teacher’s network.

He has delivered successful collaborative projects year-on-year, having a significant impact on the education of STEM in the north-west and providing an effective means of starting conversations with young people about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. This year, he plans to use VEX robotics to enhance STEM skills with primary and secondary schools working together.

Martin continues to offer a wide range of STEM related courses which have a healthy uptake of numbers. Many students experience of STEM is further advanced by activities such as industrial visits and STEM related work experience. He is keen to engage with local secondary and primary schools by running several STEM activities. An Existence at the Extreme CPD session was recently delivered to teachers and plans are being developed for activities involving local schools in the summer term.

Region: North West Specialism: Engineering

Trafford College, Cheshire Teacher Coordinator since September 2011


Martin Simmons

I am working with a range

of stakeholders across Greater Manchester to

promote the use of RAE resources and enhance the STEM

learning experiences of young people.”


Irene brought her experience of working as a mechanical and manufacturing engineer to the programme in 2016. She is the STEM coordinator for her school and has experience in leading the Science department.

It has been a successful first year as a TC for Irene. Her school is committed to STEM education in Edinburgh, providing a fantastic insight into the variety of STEM initiatives undertaken through monthly newsletters and a ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ review shared with schools in the region.

Irene has 10 schools in her network and for her first collaborative project plans to make, test and create a new brand of cosmetics. She is an advocate of ‘Women in STEM’ and is involved in STEMettes. STEMettes are an exciting and unorthodox young organisation with the strong aim to change mindsets and social norms for girls who would like to be involved in STEM. The vision is to support girls to make informed decisions about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, so that women can be proportionally

represented in the field.


Currie Community High School, Edinburgh Teacher Coordinator since April 2016


Irene Somerville

Leading Currie Community High

School to the final of the Scottish STEM Education

Awards and sharing good practice across

her authority has been the highlight

of the year.”


Rebecca is one of the Academy’s most experienced TCs and has always worked hard to add value to her continued professional development sessions and network meetings. Sadly, Rebecca will be leaving the CST programme at the end of the academic year and will be relocating to a new school in the South of England. This is a loss to STEM education in Scotland, however she leaves behind her an extremely well-established and supported network of schools.

Rebecca is the Secretary for the Royal Society of Chemistry Education in Glasgow and oversees the Inspiring Young Chemistry Awards. This is an initiative which engages primary schools and promotes the resources provided by the Academy.

Rebecca has been an integral figure in the development of STEM programmes such as rampaging chariots in the Scottish Robotics Games and Scalextric 4 Schools. Both of which have grown year on year attracting more schools and their pupils to participate in engineering tournaments and competitions.

The Academy would like to thank Rebecca for the hard work she has undertaken during the five years of consultancy and wishes her all the very best for the future.


The Glasgow Academy, Glasgow Teacher Coordinator since January 2012


Rebecca Sowden

I enjoy engaging

primary and secondary

schools, promoting the

resources provided by the Academy.”


Phil is one of the Academy’s longest serving TCs having joined the consultancy team in 2012. In that time, he has built a VEX programme that has provided his networked schools with robotics kits, a valuable resource that is used year on year. Phil embarked on a new approach this year. A collaborative project was developed to establish a centre for a model rocket car competition supported by the SSC Bloodhound and BBC MicroBit education initiatives. Both primary and secondary schools took part from nine schools in his network. A total of 94 pupils participated making the project one of the largest collaborations to take place.

Teams designed, built and raced their rocket cars against each other to achieve the fastest times. Pupils programmed their microprocessors to record their times and measure acceleration. Pupils also learnt key concepts about Newtons laws and aerodynamics in order to design their rocket cars. The competition took place over three stages, hub, regional and grand finale. One primary school team achieved a time that secured them a place at the grand final at the Santa Pod raceway, Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue.

Region: North Wales Specialism: Design and Technology

Rydal Penrhos School, Conwy Teacher Coordinator since January 2012


Phil Sutton

Inspiring hundreds of

pupils through a deep STEM

experience through a wide variety

of Collaborative Projects from solar

boats to rocket cars via Vex Robots.”


David is an experienced mathematics teacher and educational consultant who supports STEM teaching and learning in and around the Gateshead and Newcastle area.

David has a reputation for identifying and working collaboratively with external partners who add value to the CST programme. These include Newcastle University, Think Physics at Northumbria University, STEM learning and local technology businesses such as Daedalus Group and AECOM.

David has a comprehensive network of 24 schools who consistently attend his CPD meetings, benefiting more than 800 secondary school pupils, of which 300 are registered for free school meals. This year’s inter-schools challenge, Creative Engineering with Robotics, will focus on developing multi-discipline engineering skills and broadening pupils understanding of the need for creatively in design as well as team work.

Region: North East Specialism: Mathematics

Educational Consultant, Northumberland Teacher Coordinator since April 2012


David Thomas

The STEM agenda is very

much alive in the North East. The

Connecting STEM Teachers programme

is a first port of call for many

schools wishing to engage, collaborate

and develop their expertise in

this area.”


Peter joined the CST programme in 2012 and has previously used his position as senior Digital leader for the Welsh government to support his consultancy role as a TC. He has enjoyed great success with his multi-schools STEM enrichment project Cymru-nauts: The Welsh Space Race, and this year proposes a Mission to Mars themed collaborative project. Pupils will engage in practical ‘space’ related activities including a challenge to build and launch a solid fuel rocket and programme and pilot a drone vehicle. During the event, participating school teams will be supported and encouraged by engineers, scientist and ambassadors involved in STEM related careers.

Working in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, Peter regularly brings teachers and students from different schools together to participate in STEM related activities and to explore the benefits and possibilities of pursuing a career in a STEM related field. With input from local engineers and STEM ambassadors, Peter’s network of support ensures teachers have the knowledge and confidence to increase the appeal of, and students’ engagement in STEM.

Region: Wales Specialism: Computing

Independent Educational Consultant Teacher Coordinator since April 2012


Peter Thomas

With input from local

engineers and STEM ambassadors,

network teachers have the knowledge

and confidence to increase the

appeal of student engagement

in STEM.”


Anthony has one of the largest networks with more than 40 schools in the Norfolk area. His network meetings are very well attended and in his capacity as Director of STEM he is able to support STEM learning across all subject specialisms through a diverse range of projects and initiatives.

Anthony’s network meetings are used to discuss and plan events such as an inter-schools STEM fair, boat building challenges and funding and scholarship opportunities as well as training on the current resource boxes. His network growth continues due to its reputation for the supporting and sharing of good ideas.

Anthony is currently developing an innovative approach for a Go Karting Grand Prix collaborative project. School teams will race against each other powered only by hand tools. A complex challenge for any STEM club.

Region: East of England Specialism: Mathematics and Director of STEM

Pakefield High School and Learning Community, Lowestoft Teacher Coordinator since September 2014


Anthony Vaughan-Evans

It has been a privilege to

work with so many inspirational STEM

teachers in my area who are dedicated to delivering excellent STEM provisions to

young people.”


Chris joined the CST programme as a TC in 2016 and made an instant impact with 11 networked schools attending his first CPD meeting. Teachers respond positively to his training with the Existence at the Extreme learning resources.

Chris now has fifteen schools who regularly attend his meetings. These consists of a variety of incentives for staff to attend, including planning for a partnership Maths Challenge run by the University of Central Lancashire, an industrial visit focused at girls in engineering and collaborative planning for his main schools’ project in the summer term.

This event will provide opportunities for 80 pupils from eight Ogden Trust partner schools to take part in STEM related interactive activities at their local university, raising aspirations and helping to break down academic barriers between secondary school students and higher education.

Region: North West Specialism: Science

Ashton Community Science College, Lancashire Teacher Coordinator since February 2016


Chris Wallis

This year, I have delivered

CPD sessions on Drones, Existence

at the Extreme and Deployable Structures at

University of Central Lancashire.”


Terry and Sam are in the unique position of sharing a network in the south-west of England. They have recruited 13 schools in their first year and enjoy a healthy spread of teachers from each of the STEM disciplines.

Both Terry and Sam have established an excellent KS3/4 project based learning activity for school teams to build and program their own mini arcade machines. These have the capacity to link across the internet to play games against each other. We like to think of it as a TCs alternative to Nintendo.

When the project was launched to networked schools, it was received with extremely positive feedback. Pupils developed coding and programming skills as well as build they engineering understanding through practical workshop experience.


Cotham School, Bristol Teacher Coordinator since December 2015


I am passionate

about the use of games to teach

Computer Science and programming to

students of all ages. Combining games

programming with engineering is the

ultimate.”

Terry Watts Joint network

coordinators


Region: South West Specialism: Design and Technology

Cotham School, Bristol Teacher Coordinator since January 2016


Sam Lawrence

Terry and Sam provide outstanding resources to support the project, enabling students to understand every aspect of learning.

Both coordinators have been proactive with their partnerships and links with industry. IBM, Renishaw and Airbus are amongst several others to lend their support to schools.

Despite the fact this is only the start of their second year in the CST programme, Terry and Sam have also created the Bristol STEM Teachers Network website, a forum to advertising events, links and latest developments for their network

Inspired by the amazing projects of the secondary

schools across our Bristol network, the CST programme has

enabled teachers across our city to share great ideas and has enthused our students to

focus on careers in STEM industries, even

engaging students at primary level.”



Stuart Higham

What the programme means to our coordinators...

My greatest achievement since beginning the Royal Academy of Engineering CST programme has been uniting a community of teachers who, at times, can feel very isolated.

I feel that I have been lucky to have experienced a wide range of STEM activities since becoming a teacher and there is little more rewarding than experiencing the sense of achievement students gain from these opportunities.

As a co-ordinator for the TC network, I have been able to share this experience with teachers who share my passion for STEM but maybe haven’t had the same support or chances to exploit the vast number of activities that are available in the UK.

By opening up pathways for teachers to employ their passion with their own students shows that STEM is not just about individuals, single schools or even local communities but a much wider, global opportunity for all young people.”



We have four strategic challenges:

Drive faster and more balanced economic growthTo improve the capacity of UK entrepreneurs and enterprises to create innovative products and services, increase wealth and employment and rebalance the economy in favour of productive industry.

Foster better education and skillsTo create a system of engineering education and training that satisfies the aspirations of young people while delivering the high-calibre engineers and technicians that businesses need.

Lead the professionTo harness the collective expertise, energy and capacity of the engineering profession to enhance the UK’s economic and social development.

Promote engineering at the heart of societyTo improve public understanding of engineering, increase awareness of how engineering impacts on lives and increase public recognition for our most talented engineers.

Royal Academy of EngineeringPrince Philip House3 Carlton House TerraceLondon SW1Y 5DG

Registered charity 293074

Documents

Connecting STEM Teachers Programme Teacher · PDF fileCentral to the continued success of this project, ... Write a simpler version of the program which gives ... linked with a STEM