‘Out of the Box’ – enabling teachers to develop STEM Enrichment and Enhancement activities to raise attainment, maintain interest and encourage family engagement
‘Out of the Box’ – enabling teachers to develop STEM Enrichment and Enhancement activities to raise attainment, maintain interest and encourage family engagement
Project Diary
‘Out of The Box’ held its final CPD event in May. The attending teachers were introduced to the work of NYBEP, another AZSST funded project, and also met two STEM ambassadors to find out how they could help support STEM learning in schools. The teachers also developed their own STEM skills through a series of practical activities with space for reflection on how the challenges prompted and provoked their own learning and development and how these experiences could be used to enhance the teaching and learning culture and practice within the classroom and wider environment. There was also an opportunity to share best practice for delivery of Out of School Hours STEM activity and this included some fascinating anecdotes: Year 5 delivered the programme to groups from Year 1 after completion The atrium was turned into a Space Pod for themed learning after completion Increased family engagement in learning. We are currently developing a programme for this academic year based on the successes and lessons learned in collaboration with Bradford Schools Forum which will include an element of transition support and involve STEM teachers from secondary schools working with colleagues from feeder schools.
Nov 2012
The Family Fun day was held on 28th April and around 400 children attended with families and teachers. Each of our 20 schools brought their own, specially designed water rockets to fly in competition with one another to win a telescope. Osmotherly Primary School won and we will be presenting them with the telescope at the next CPD event. There were lots of activities including a space bus and planetarium, rocket building and STEM careers talks. We are now planning our second CPD day for the teachers and making their green boxes.
May 2012
All 20 schools have received their rocket boxes following the success of the first of our two CPD days. Word has it that they are extremely popular and lots of teachers have requested more kit!
Mar 2012
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Project Summary
‘Out of The Box’ will provide primary teachers with the support and the tools they need to build their confidence and expertise. This will enable them to run a programme of STEM Enrichment and Enhancement activities which will encourage family engagement and participation in their children’s learning. It will also provide young learners with opportunities for developing Scientific Enquiry skills, problem solving, teamwork and embed scientific knowledge and understanding through stimulating curiosity and imagination. The programme will be piloted in North Yorkshire as there are a significant number of small rural schools in the region who do not have teaching staff with specialist science knowledge.