The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has granted funding to STEM Learning to support 4,000 students in the Wiltshire area in STEM projects. STEM Learning’s ENTHUSE Partnerships enable groups of schools and colleges to address local issues of underachievement in STEM subjects through a two-year programme to improve young people’s knowledge, skills and confidence in STEM subjects as well as boosting their career aspirations.
The schools involved will have:
- access to bursary-supported STEM-specific CPD
- the opportunity for teachers to spend up to two weeks with a STEM employer
- support to establish and sustain STEM Club activities
- support from STEM Ambassadors
The aim of the partnership is to enthuse and inspire students in science in the lower socio-economic areas of Wiltshire with the aim of encouraging students to study science to a higher level. The schools will work closely with STEM Ambassadors from Dstl, including hosting teachers on-site for work experience to enable them to experience science-related roles within the industry and support the message to raise aspirations in STEM.
Participating schools will also benefit from all the opportunities STEM Learning has to offer through its ENTHUSE Partnerships, including STEM-specific professional development for their teachers, building STEM Clubs and guided access to STEM Learning’s expansive collection of resources.
“We are proud to be collaborating with STEM Learning to support STEM education in the communities we operate in,” said Doug Umbers, Dstl’s Interim Chief Executive. “This partnership aims to invest in sustainable STEM education to support schools, teachers and students in the Wiltshire area and support future generations with the tools they need for continued success in following a STEM pathway.”
The Dstl delivers high-impact science and technology for the UK's defence, security and prosperity. It is an Executive Agency of the MOD and is a proven national asset, giving the UK a clear advantage across science, technology, cyber and information. It has around 4,500 staff working across four sites; Porton Down, near Salisbury, Portsdown West, near Portsmouth, Fort Halstead, near Sevenoaks, and Alverstoke, near Gosport.
Fran Dainty, Head of Education at the National STEM Learning Centre, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dstl to join our ENTHUSE Partnership supporters. The Partnership will help STEM Learning’s mission to change the lives of thousands of young people, nurturing future talent for crucial STEM skills.”
STEM Learning is always looking to work with new partners to improve STEM education in the UK. If you are interested in finding out more, please email employers@stem.org.uk.