Encouraging Small People to Think Big

I thought it would be good to share my experiences of STEM Learning. Along with PSQM, they and their staff have been so inspirational to me on my ‘Science Lead’ learning journey. In the Beginning Initially, and as a new Science co-ordinator, I was encouraged to undertake the STEM Learning 9 day ‘Developing the Experienced Primary Science Lead’ course. This took place over three 3-day sessions and was funded through an Enthuse bursary due to the fact that the school where I work is in a low socio-economic area. It was such an awesome experience. The STEM Centre is a wonderful place, full of enthusiastic and encouraging staff including Tanya Shields, Sarah Dagnell and Karen Bruynee. The way the course was delivered was so interesting and engaging. There were loads of ‘hands-on’ activities to get involved in- which really helped me to remember the value of hands-on learning. I also learned more about assessment, enquiry types, different science topics, strategies for leading a subject and...

It is so important that our pupils gain skills and knowledge about careers and therefore we are so proud at the school where I work to have recently attained the ‘Primary Careers Mark’. Quality Careers Education activities, and subsequent knowledge, enable pupils to understand and develop characteristics such as resilience and patience- required for their future. Information given is free from gender bias and develops knowledge about careers in their local area; it also helps them to identify their own characteristics and potentially, what kind of jobs they might like and suit. We work to give our children the appropriate IT skills and confidence to be flexible as they travel their learning journey. This really enhances pupil self-esteem as their confidence grows.    Our school has included a careers element within its curriculum for many years, particularly in Year 6 as the pupils have been undergoing transition to Year 7. The Careers Mark programme was brought to our attenti...

My Masters Journey and Top Tips   My journey  It is widely acknowledged that participating in a Masters is admirable and a considerable task; this was an important undertaking for me and a long held ambition. However, working on a full-time basis in school leaves professionals with very little spare time. As a teacher of Six years at the time of starting and also working in Year Six, plus heading towards a big birthday, it seemed like the time was right for me to seize the opportunity and complete this ambition. I feared that if I did not do so, my optimum chance may pass me by. An opportunity arose when I realised the local college was running a ‘Masters in Education’ course in the evenings.   As Science/STEM Subject Lead, I had recently attained the PSQM accreditation with my school which meant I had been busy and had re-familiarised myself with working in an academic way. I felt that whilst learning at the East Riding College, new knowledge gained would inform my work....