'Driving Success through STEM' conference - East of England
Regional STEM event - East of England
31 March 2011, in partnership with Microsoft Research
Senior leaders from schools and colleges across the East of England participated in this event, where presentations and workshops facilitated by local speakers stimulated discussion throughout the afternoon. This page provides the presentations, together with a summary of participants' feedback on priorities from their school or college regarding STEM, and the key messages they were taking away from the event.
Available presentations may be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
Presentations and workshops
Welcome and introduction Yvonne Baker, CEO, MyScience
Employer's viewpoint Andrew Herbert, Chairman, Microsoft Research EMEA
Head to head Martin Bacon, Headteacher & Steve Howard, Deputy Headteacher, Swavesey Village College Dr Alan McMurdo, Principal and CEO, Thomas Deacon Academy
Supporting Teaching and Learning Peter Hall, Senior Regional Coordinator, NCETM
STEM Ambassadors and STEM Clubs Leslie Whyte-Venables, Regional Director East of England, STEMNET
STEM Ambassadors Rod Smith, STEM Ambassador
An introduction to the STEM Clubs Network Julie Webb, British Science Association Regional STEM Club Coordinator
Engaging with STEM Careers Katy Bloom, Engineering and Technology Specialist, National STEM Centre
What are participants' priorities for STEM?
There needs to be more urgency and focus on employer engagement
A more systematic approach to careers advice is needed, to include training for staff to provide them with up-to-date information
Provide time for STEM teachers to develop practice, while also offering them CPD support
What key messages from the event do particpants view as most important?
Maintain STEM as high profile and vital for careers and life chances
STEM has a place in schools (along with other subjects) to enthuse, engage and inspire. We should make use of all enrichment opportunities to do this and make the most of organisations such as STEM Centre, STEM Clubs, STEM Ambassadors, NCETM etc.
Supporting teachers to widen their understanding of STEM
Providing teachers with adequate CPD support
The need for teachers to make the curriculum more appropriate and practical
How can schools and colleges best inform students about STEM-related careers and progression routes?
Employer engagement, industry visits, links to mentoring / STEM Ambassadors