Review of Vocational Education - the Wolf Report
This report, by Dr Alison Wolf and published in March 2011, was commissioned to investigate the state of vocational education for young people aged 14 to 19. It was found that many courses offered very little value, offering no route to further education or prospects for meaningful employment. Many prospective students cannot…
Maths and Science Education: the Supply of High Achievers at A Level
This paper, from the Department of Education (DfE), presented a comprehensive set of statistical analyses building up a picture of the production function for the supply of young people in England with good A levels in mathematics and science. In this way, the questions addressed are focused towards high attainers in these subjects,…
Subject Progression from GCSE to AS Level and Continuation to A Level
This report, by the Department for Education, provides an analysis of the proportion of students taking GCSE and progressing to AS Level in the same subject (that is, progression rates), focussing on English Baccalaureate subject areas. The report then follows the same cohort through from AS to full A level achievement. Data…
Second Report of the Independent Review of Teachers' Standards
This report sets out the recommendations of an independent Review of Teachers’ Standards, chaired by Sally Coates. The review was launched by the Secretary of State in March 2011 with a remit to review the existing framework of professional standards for teachers. The Review Group comprises excellent teachers, head teachers…
Scientific Enquiry and its Place in the National Curriculum
This is a report of a SCORE workshop held in September 2011 at the Royal Society to explore the place of scientific enquiry in the national curriculum. The report summarises the main issues raised and describes the views of the participants. The workshop was chaired by Libby Steele, Head of Education at the Royal Society. The group…
Managing STEM Enhancement and Enrichment
From the National Strategies, these documents give advice and guidance on delivering a successful science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum enrichment and enhancement programme. The documents look at planning, implementing and monitoring an enrichment programme as well as how to make sure it contributes to…
Strengthening Teaching and Learning of Earth, Space and Beyond
This National Strategies study guide from the Department of Education is one of a suite designed to support the development of aspects of subject knowledge. It has been designed to link with both the Progression Maps, the Revised Framework for Teaching Secondary Science and Assessing Pupils’ Progress in Science. Context The…
Guide to Examples of Good Quality STEM Placements
Produced for the Department for Education, this resource from Sheffield Hallam University, is designed to help employers, teachers, students and anyone involved in work experience develop strategies for creating good quality placements for young people aged 14–19. This guide contains examples of good practice which are…
STEM and Economic Wellbeing
These tools have been produced for the Department for Education by the Centre for Science Education. The materials are for STEM and economic wellbeing (EWB) curriculum leaders, teachers and support staff working together to meet the needs of their learners. They will also be useful for STEM and EWB advisers, consultants and trainers…
Kate Bellingham Video
In this video, Kate Bellingham, the former National STEM Careers Coordinator, describes the importance of encouraging students to choose STEM subjects. Kate believes that STEM qualifications and skills are urgently needed and highly valued in employment therefore it is crucial to work with teachers, careers advisers, school leaders,…
4/5- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
STEM Baseline Survey - Summary Report
From the Department for Education, this report provides a summary of findings from the STEM Baseline Survey Research Programme. It reports on a programme of activities aimed at improving STEM careers awareness in secondary schools. The primary purpose of the research dimension of the project is to measure the potential impact…
STEM Choices: Equality and Diversity Strand Chart
Produced for the Department for Education, this document outlines four levels of school engagement with STEM careers as a basis for planning the development and implementation of the STEM Subject Choice and Careers project.
STEM Equality and Diversity Useful Websites
Produced for the Department for Education, this document contains an extensive list of web sites that will be useful to practitioners offering information and guidance in STEM careers to young people.
STEM Choices: Summary of Good Practice
From the Department for Education, this resource is an accessible summary of good practice when delivering careers information and guidance. It will be useful for tutors, subject teachers, and careers advisers involved in STEM and other subject areas.
Sports Technologist
Chris Holmes is a sports technologist for sports equipment manufacturer Adidas. This Department for Education clip is useful in showing students how a career such as this relies on a background of STEM study. Chris describes how he specialises in the development of sports balls. His job is to investigate the best designs for maximum…
Spacecraft Engineer
Simon Meek is a spacecraft engineer, designing, building and tracking satellites. This Department for Education clip shows how studying science and mathematics open the gateway to interesting careers. Simon studied maths, physics and English at A-level and went on to study for a degree in Physics. Following this he took a masters…
Structural Engineer
Katie Symons creates modern buildings and structures. This Department for Education video clip demonstrates the importance of STEM subjects in achieving a career in structural engineering. Katie describes how her work involves designing buildings, which involves a great deal of science, engineering and mathematics skills. She…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Snowboard Designer
Liza Brooks is a snowboard designer. This Department for Education clip illustrates the link between studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects at school with careers in design and manufacture. Liza describes how her job involves looking at the science that goes into a snowboard. This involves how…
Radio Producer
Toby Hilder works as a producer at Radio 1. This Department for Education clip illustrates the importance of science and maths qualifications as the basis for careers in music technology. Toby did maths and all three sciences at A-level before taking a degree. He then obtained a trainee role at the BBC where he developed his skills…
Planetary Scientist
Sheila Kanani is a PhD student at University College London (UCL), and analyses data from a spacecraft currently orbiting Saturn. This Department for Education clip gives students insight into the world of space science. Sheila describes how her involvement in space science has taken her to Russia, to see cosmonauts training,…
Marine Biologist
Tom Harts is a marine biologist at the Zoological Society of London. This Department for Education clip illustrates the importance of mathematics in biology and provides an insight into a zoological career. Tom describes how he collects data during field trips in Antarctica which he then analyses back in London. He says, "It's…
Lighting Designer
Will Wagner is a lighting software designer. This Department for Education clip illustrates the major role that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects play in the creative industries. Will designs the lighting for concerts, plays, films, pop videos and other entertainment events. He first became interested…
Innovation Consultant
Alan Cucknell's job consists of finding new and innovative ways to make their clients' products stand out from the crowd. This Department for Education clip exemplifies for students a less familiar STEM career route. Alan's company works with clients on their business and technical challenges. Using science and…
Humanitarian Engineer
Andrew is Chief Executive of the charity Engineering Without Borders UK. This Department for Education clip shows students how choosing to study science can help an individual to make a global difference. Engineers Without Borders UK, work on problems associated with communities overseas that do not have access to facilities such…
Computer Games Developer
Simon works as a computer games developer, building scenarios for games using computer scripting language. This Department for Education clip shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects can be the foundation for a career in the computer industry. An understanding of mathematics forms an integral…
Food Technologist
Jessica Chambers is a food technologist at Sainsbury's. This Department for Education clip could be useful when teaching microbiology, food technology, or as a context for applied science. Jessica's job allows her to gain experience of work in many different areas that include: • development of new products and…
Energy Manager
Jo Carris is an energy manager, working on the London 2012 Olympic Games. This Department for Education clip could be used when teaching about sustainable development or energy efficiency. It also demonstrates the exciting careers that require skills in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Jo describes her job…
Energy Analyst
Rebecca Beresford is an energy analyst at EDF Energy. This Department for Education clip could be useful when teaching about sustainable development, enery efficiency or climate change. It also illustrates a career that requires an understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Rebecca describes her…
- 4/5
- Publication year: 2010 to date
- Video
Digital Designer
Simon Cam is a digital designer, working on interactive video production for an advertising agency. This Department for Education clip shows the importance of science and mathematics in a range of creative industries. Simon works with film, special effects and 3D graphics, to develop a range of visual effects for the creative…
Climate Scientist
Elizabeth Kendon is a climate scientist at the Met Office, studying extreme weather patterns and the impact they have on Earth. This Department for Education video clip introduces her work and how she uses mathematical modelling to study climate change. She illustrates how skills in science, mathematics and computer programming can…