Ignite! Projects:
Ignition*
Invent! 08
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in the East Midlands region – We have Ignition*
Ignition* is our three year programme promoting creative approaches to the teaching and learning of STEM subjects.
This follows a pilot programme of Creative Science events in Spring 2007 which Ignite! delivered with Creative Partnerships, Nottingham . The new three year programme, with an investment from emda of £1.95m, and again delivered in association with Creative Partnerships, will give a massive boost to the teaching and learning of STEM subjects across the region.
The programme was launched at Greenwood Junior School, Nottingham in March - to view the film of the launch, click here... We have Ignition*
The Problem
1. Fewer young people take up STEM subjects as courses of higher level study or careers in the East Midlands than the average of English regions.
2. The numbers of graduates in STEM subjects nationally is not meeting the numbers leaving or retiring from industries dependent on STEM skills.
3. This decline is recognised by Government, RDAs and industry bodies as damaging our international economic performance and future prospects.
Analysis of the problem reveals that young people are more attracted to creative and media courses and industries because they are regarded as 'easier' or 'more creative' or offering better prospects than STEM. There are other miss-perceptions surrounding STEM subjects that they are more suitable for boys, and/or academic high fliers, and that reward for effort often takes many years of research.
However, with Nottingham as Science City, and the history of achievement of STEM in the region, the conditions are primed for initiatives to address the deficit. The challenge is to change perceptions of STEM as attractive for study and careers, engaging creative thinking skills, raising skill levels for industry.
The Proposals
Ignition* will address the root causes and symptoms of the problem and encourage young people to regard STEM subjects as creative, exciting and attractive for further study and careers.
Key Features:
1. Come Alive With Science aims to correct miss-perceptions of STEM through a wider programme of engagement and participation building on National Science and Engineering Week 2007. STEM will be presented as subjects requiring creative thinking skills, applied imagination and offering challenging, rewarding opportunities
2. Invent! competitions and workshops for the summer term will coincide with SHINE week ad strengthen links between education and industry
3. Enrichment projects using films and other creative activities
4. Creative STEM Labs, CPD for high achieving, motivated teachers of STEM, scientists and creative practitioners
5. Lab 13 - spaces in schools, managed by young people for creativity, experiment and invention.
6. Ignite! Creative Sparks, high fliers, role models among 14-21 age group, displaying skills of creative thinking and leadership