Welcome to the North West Regional STEM Centre
“We cannot stress too forcibly our concern at the critical shortage of people with STEM
capabilities. This is a burning issue to be addressed or the UK will not remain
competitive. “
Council for Industry Higher Education (2009)
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics subjects are crucial in solving many of the UK’s current economic challenges.◦ Technology includes ICT, CAD/CAM, Music technology etc.
Not enough people choose STEM – the route into STEM is a fragile pipeline
The LSIS STEM programme develops STEM teaching & learning by providing training, networking, resources and funding.
It has worked!
What is the role of STEM?
Increased interest in the successful uptake of STEM subjects in schools, colleges and universities.
FE provides an academic bridge between schools and HE.
FE is key to providing the skills – vocational.
FE supports widening participation in STEM subjects by engaging people lost from traditional academic routes.
FE supports wider aim of raising scientific awareness
STEM in Schools and Further Education
2.5 million enrolments on STEM qualifications in the FE and Skills sector in England.
9341 different STEM and STEM related QCF qualifications are offered from over 20,000 in total.◦ 33% are in Engineering, ◦ 31% Mathematics & Numeracy, ◦ 20% Technology, ◦ 16% Science
Over 172,000 STEM Apprenticeships underway in 2008/09 (48% were at Level 2).
STEM in FE & Skills sector
In England the number of full time FTE undergraduates rose by 18% between 1999 and 2008.
The number of students in:◦ Medicine students rose by 89%◦ Chemistry rose by 4%◦ Physics rose by 7%◦ Mathematics rose by 9%◦ Engineering fell by 4%
STEM in Higher Education
High priority skills for immediate action:One of the most striking themes to emerge from the Audit is the growing importance of technicians, especially in specialist STEM areas.
UK Commission for Employment and skills, 2010
Skills for jobs: today and tomorrow
... a considerable shift in labour demand towards skilled
workers, implying that future jobs will become moreknowledge and skills intensive .
Technicians and associate professionals ….. have the highest potential for job creation in the next decade (around 4.5 million)
European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, 2010
Skills supply and demand in Europe to 2020
STEM at WMC: 2008
NCETM Action Research Project:
From Pockets of Excellence:
Using collaborative approaches and sharing good practice to improve uneven performance in Numeracy
STEM at WMC: 2009
Two Science Action Research Projects
EPIPS
Supported by the regional Science
Learning Centre for the North West
Improved the quality of teaching and
learning in practical work in both
Chemistry and Biology
STEM at WMC: 2009
STEM Excellence and Innovation
Award
“Made to Measure: Collaborative
teaching and Sharing Good Practice in Maths and Engineering”
Used and developed TLP resources on measurement across the STEM
curriculum.
STEM at WMC: 2009
STEM Excellence and Innovation Award
“Ready to Launch: Progression from level 2 to 3 in Post 16 STEM”
Examined the role of maths in progression for learners from level 2 to level 3 STEM
STEM at WMC: 2010
STEM Excellence, Improvement
and Innovation Award
“Girls into Engineering”
supported by Royal Academy of
Engineers
Aimed to increase the
participation of young women in
engineering.
STEM at WMC: 2010
Visits by Science and Engineering Ambassadors
Enrichment activities included
WMC learners win a showcase stand at the National Big Bang – Young Scientists and Engineers Fair
Successful Engagement with STEMNET
STEM at WMC: 2010
“From Re- launch to Lift Off: Moving Applied Science & Maths up to the next level”
North West STEM 2010/11
Wirral Metropolitan College became the
LSIS Regional STEM Centre for the North West, leading on behalf of FUSION and MCA
The centre’s purpose is to drive excellence in STEM in the North West in the Learning and Skills Sector
STEM Champion
• Facilitates face to face and online regional STEM networks & CPD events
• Supports provider led CPD in STEM • Supports Knowledge and Technology Transfer activity.• Arranges bespoke training by national lead organisations
in STEM.
• Improving image/profile of our College
• Meeting national and local priorities
• Improving teaching & learning at WMC leading to improved OFSTED grade.
• Increased CPD for STEM teachers (Sharing of best practice). Involving many WMC staff.
• Contacts with other providers
The best is yet to come
Implications – NOW!