STEM Learning has launched its 100th ENTHUSE Partnership, with the support of global investment bank Goldman Sachs.
ENTHUSE Partnerships bring schools and colleges together to work collaboratively, with support from STEM Learning, to develop an intensive two-year programme to raise aspiration and achievement in STEM.
Goldman Sachs, recognising the important role that teachers play in bridging the UK’s STEM skills gap, is supporting a group of five schools from the Oasis academy chain in England to dramatically improve both attainment and enthusiasm for STEM subjects and careers amongst their pupils through a two-year programme of sustained STEM support.
The Goldman Sachs ENTHUSE Partnership will be led by Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Croydon, with the other partnership schools being: Oasis Lister Park, Bradford; Oasis South Bank, Central London; Oasis Isle of Sheppey, Kent; and Oasis Hadley, north London.
Science, technology, engineering and maths (the pillars of STEM) are drivers of change in the lives of many young people globally. However, in common with other developed economies, the UK struggles to attract enough young people to study STEM subjects, either at university or through apprenticeship routes, and there is a particular problem engaging those from less privileged backgrounds.
Quality of teaching is the single most important determinant of pupils’ engagement, enjoyment and attainment in these subjects, and whether they pursue further STEM studies or careers. The Sutton Trust reported that, over a school year, disadvantaged pupils gain 18 months’ worth of learning with the most effective teachers compared to six months with poorly performing teachers.
ENTHUSE Partnerships improve the quality of teaching by focusing on professional development for teachers, effective enrichment activities for students and links to inspirational role models from business and industry.
Jo Hannaford, Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa Technology at Goldman Sachs, said:
“We’re excited to partner with STEM Learning to help address the UK STEM skill gap at its source; the classroom.
“Through this partnership we’re enabling schools in our local communities to increase the quality and accessibility of education in science, technology, engineering and maths, ensuring that teachers feel supported and that children are given equal opportunities for their future success. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve working together.”
By funding its first ENTHUSE Partnership, Goldman Sachs has joined the ENTHUSE Alliance - a ground-breaking collaboration of government, charitable trusts, STEM employers, professional institutions and scientific societies, all showing their support for teachers of STEM subjects.