SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHS
Encouraging STEM careers
is a “multiple win” situation, with benefit to pupils, graduates can expect to earn about £190k more over magazines, and Bluetooth advertising within cinemas, as include the STEM Curriculum-Related Careers pack,
teachers and the STEM community at large. their working life than if they had left school with just well as being supported by television and radio advertising. CPD for teachers and trainees, and the Economic
I am the newly appointed national STEM careers two A levels. And that is £60k more than the average The feedback from teenagers has been positive, but this Wellbeing pack to support the curriculum’s new PSHEE
co-ordinator, charged with championing STEM careers across all degree subjects. must represent the beginning of a behaviour change (the second E being economic) requirement which will
and co-ordinating the creation of new resources, as My objective is to ensure that all young people are programme rather than a one-off exercise. strengthen pupils’ understanding of the benefits of
part of the government’s STEM framework. One that made aware of the career opportunities studying STEM Currently, the UK is in a hugely enviable position STEM careers. Alongside this, it has created a number
particularly interests me is incorporating information subjects can open up to them, and that they are well from a global economic perspective. We are a world of programmes designed for Teachers TV that focus on
about STEM careers, whether implicitly or explicitly, prepared to develop the skills necessary to pursue them. leader in research and development, but at the moment the benefits of STEM.
into lessons, extra-curricular activities, and business We know that the best way to support teenagers in we simply do not have enough young people choosing The STEM framework is supporting a research
links, as well as the more traditional areas of careers their subject and career choices is to give appropriate science-related subjects to maintain a ready supply project by Warwick University looking at a timeline
lessons and guidance. and consistent messages about their options that are of skilled scientists to capitalise on our world-leading of key stage 3 careers-related interventions in 29 pilot
Understanding the challenges that exist and reinforced by subject teachers, form tutors and other position in the mid to long term. What does that mean schools. This three-year project will lead to models
persuading teenagers to study these subjects is a influencers inside and outside of school (including for them? In short, it is a massive opportunity for them for effective support of pupils at a time when they are
complex task. Traditionally, these subjects have been careers advisors, and, of course, friends, family and to get ahead and make money doing something different, highly influenced in their subsequent career priorities.
seen as “uncool” or difficult to excel in. There appears the media). in a world where jobs for graduates are at a premium. The Science Council has created Futuremorph,
to be a perception among young people that studying a website giving in-depth information about science
these subjects will narrow their future options, but this within work, with video clips of role models, linked
is simply not the case.
It is quite the opposite, but they seem unaware of
the benefits they offer. Helping them to understand the
magic behind STEM subjects and where this can take
them must be paramount.
As a former teacher, I know the challenges that exist
‘
As a former teacher, I know the challenges that
lesson plans and activities, a presentation that can be
used and adapted for careers evenings, and materials to
use in assembly.
exist in encouraging students to think proactively
It is tempting to be cynical about another campaign
“bandwagon” to jump on, but I see it in a different way.
in encouraging students to think proactively about their
about their careers. All too often it is a struggle just
We have a unique window of opportunity at present with
increased cohesion across government departments and
careers. All too often it is a struggle just to get them to
concentrate on your lesson for an hour, let alone where to get them to concentrate on your lesson for an
initiatives, more funding for campaigns, changes in key
stage 3 and 4 curricula and general changes in careers
they could be in 10 years. guidelines. We have a unique opportunity to make a
The benefits that STEM can provide need to be
hour, let alone where they could be in 10 years
difference to the futures of the pupils in our classrooms,
highlighted to all as well. Traditionally, the sciences and to the country as a whole.
have been seen as specialist subjects – for pupils ready The future is bright for STEM. Let’s get out there
to narrow their focus. Young people and their families, and start talking about where science, technology,
need to be shown that this is not the case and that To overcome the challenges that exist and highlight We must look at encouraging students to study STEM engineering and maths can really take you.
choosing STEM subjects will genuinely open doors for to young people the opportunities that are available by in a holistic way. The government is already worki
’
ng on a
them, rather than narrow their options. studying STEM, the Department for Children, Schools number of STEM initiatives, many of which are currently • Kate Bellingham is the national STEM careers co-
Furthermore, finding a career that uses STEM and Families has launched a campaign with the aim available, all with the intention of encouraging students. ordinator. She is an engineer and former television
subjects can be very rewarding financially. I remember of encouraging more teenagers to take science and With the right curriculum and confident and passionate presenter, most well known for her role presenting
being floored as a trainee teacher delivering a careers mathematics subjects at A level. The campaign works teachers highlighting to students the exciting careers that Tomorrow’s World on the BBC in the early 1990s.
lesson to year 9 when an admittedly charismatic student by challenging young people’s perceptions of these exist thanks to STEM, we will be well on our way.
said: “It makes no difference what I choose, Miss. I’m subjects and showcasing a range of aspirational and Further help is coming from a number of other
Further information
going to win X Factor and be rich.” rewarding jobs on the campaign website. resources as well. The Centre for Science Education at For more information on the campaign, log on to
In retrospect, I wish I had pointed out that a In an effort to highlight this to students, the campaign Sheffield Hallam University is doing an assessment of www.scienceandmaths.net or www.futuremorph.co.uk
more reliable means of getting rich is to get good has been focusing on key youth media channels. So current STEM careers materials. To find out more about the resources available to
qualifications and skills, and that physics and chemistry far it has reached students by teen websites, consumer It will be creating career awareness resources that support teachers, contact stemcareers@shu.ac.uk
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SecEd • March 26 2009 19
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