What assessment has the Cabinet Secretary made of the benefits of the STEM Insight programme?
The National STEM Learning Centre manages a wide range of UK-wide STEM professional development, including the STEM Insights and STEM Ambassadors programmes. Over the last three years we have been working with the Centre through their ENTHUSE programme to support teachers from Wales to participate in a bespoke course at the world-class CERN facility. 24 Welsh teachers are again undertaking the course in Switzerland this week, and I am keen for such opportunities to be expanded.
While no formal assessment of STEM Insights has been made at this stage, my officials met the senior team at the National STEM Learning Centre in recent weeks to discuss closer working on professional learning for STEM practitioners in Wales. We will learn from the experience of others and make available successful approaches in support of our teachers.
I want to see a Welsh teaching workforce that is more conversant with the application of real world science, technology and mathematics, while also having access to the latest in teaching and learning approaches. That is why I announced the establishment of a National Network for Excellence in Science and Technology (NNEST) on 7 January to enhance the availability of evidence-based professional development approaches for those working with 3 to 18 year olds. Through formal collaboration between practitioners, education Consortia, universities and other specialist bodies, I expect the NNEST to support the development of our STEM teachers drawing on research on what works.
We know STEM teachers need to be on top of industry and academic developments in their fields if they are to engage learners more fully in their subjects. I also want to strengthen links between schools and employers to raise aspirations of young people and help prepare them for life and work. For example, our Business Class project, delivered in partnership with Business in the Community and Careers Wales, provides a mechanism for stronger and more sustainable partnerships between secondary schools and employers. In addition, the growing use by schools and colleges of STEM Ambassadors in Wales shows that such opportunities, when used to best effect, provide clear benefits to learners and teachers.
Building on existing programme activity, I have asked my officials to explore ways to facilitate further links between education and business, including opportunities for teacher placements into industry. We will also ensure the work of the National STEM Learning Centre is considered by the NNEST in its prioritisation and planning over the coming months, including the STEM Insights programme.