STEM
Bringing science to life
Judith Wardlaw from
Thomas Hardye School
in Dorchester discusses a
science bursary scheme
that is offering students
the chance to work on
industry placements that
bring STEM subjects to life
S PROFESSIONAL scientists
A
know very well, to be the first
person to test a hypothesis, to
make and interpret observations, to
design and carry out an experiment
with an unpredictable outcome, to
make an impact on the way in
which a technique is applied, or to use high-tech
equipment can be very exciting.
School courses do not give students a full insight
into the myriad of opportunities that practising
scientists enjoy and do not test their aptitude for in- Summer STEM: Thomas Hardye students who took part in the Nuffield summer placements include (from left) Sarah Saunders, Tom
depth studies. Hearing, Matt Haley, Hannah Morriss, Eliot Jones, Muhammad Uddin and Rob Jay. Also shown is John Trickett from Wessex Setpoint
However, the Science Bursaries for Schools and
Colleges scheme, run by the Nuffield Foundation since Formerly employed as a scientific researcher and for 2010 to inspire our next generation of budding • British Science Association Crest Awards and Big
the mid-1990s, offers great scope for schools to build schools liaison officer at the Centre for Ecology and scientists. SecEd Bang Fair: www.britishscienceassociation.org/
links with science, technology engineering and maths Hydrology in Dorset, I was responsible for arranging web/ccaf/index.htm
(STEM) related industries. projects for more than 50 Nuffield students from various • Judith Wardlaw is industry partnership development • STEM Ambassadors: www.stemnet.org.uk/
Most importantly, it gives students invaluable hands- schools, supervised by myself and many colleagues. manager at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester. ambassadors.cfm
on experience where they can make contributions to These projects (all well defined and designed to • Former Thomas Hardye School students, Sophie and
real science investigations and has, in many cases, have an outcome within four to six weeks) served the
Further information
Magalie Topham’s film: http://www.
changed lives and set careers in train. interests of the organisation well. • Thomas Hardye School: www.thomas-hardye. filmsforlearning.org/View.aspx?video=106&view
Projects can be arranged locally by teachers to suit Some students tested innovative hypotheses which dorset.sch.uk Type=Tag&filterValue=ecology
the interests of year 12 science students; alternatively, underpinned further study by Master’s and PhD
students may apply for projects organised by regional students; others contributed data to long-term studies.
co-ordinators (who take care of all the administrative In outstanding cases, students were rewarded by seeing
arrangements). their work published – with named authorship for the
During the summer last year, six students from lucky few.
the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester – a science All students benefited from key skills development; FUNCTIONAL
college – carried out Nuffield bursary projects and research is all about teamwork – the experience of
recently enjoyed sharing their experiences with other working with others, thinking originally and critically,
students from the region at a celebration event at Bath analysing results, writing a report, and giving a
SKILLS?
University. presentation about your individual project – quite
Event organiser, John Trickett, regional co-ordinator different from carefully planned curricular science.
at Wessex Setpoint, a unit of the University of Bath Former Thomas Hardye School students, Sophie
dedicated to promoting, supporting and enthusing and Magalie Topham also developed their film-making
schools and young people in STEM, explained that skills to explain their project experiences (see further We can help support you with:
universities appreciate the experience of these projects information).
to potential applicants and that some of the work on Many supervisors register as STEM ambassadors
ò free ongoing advice and consultation
show was equivalent to second-year undergraduate (and are therefore CRB-cleared at no cost to the host
ò a highly effective total solution with simple-to-use
quality. organisation and have received training to supervise
Some examples of our students’ work last summer under-18s). assessments and resources for English, mathematics
include Tom Hearing, who carried out “A Baseline They achieve greater productivity working alongside
Study of Monmouth Beach’s Ammonite Pavement” motivated students and develop their own transferable
and ICT
The bksb solution
with the Jurassic Coast team at Dorset County Council skills in masterminding the projects. A carefully thought
and at Bournemouth University. out project makes a tangible difference to all concerned
Tom is applying for geology and geophysics and is well worth the effort!
What we do
Baseline Initial Assessment
university courses and the project experience has Projects extend students’ capabilities beyond their
We have provided successful solutions for the ALAN
confirmed his intention to pursue a research career in own expectations, rewarding endeavour and changing
tests for thousands of organisations and millions of
the earth sciences. Tom and supervisor Dr Anjana Ford, perspectives. Students with special needs like dyspraxia
learners in the UK, and have now used this expertise
Diagnostic Assessment with ILP
have published the study in the Autumn 2009 edition of and dyslexia or who gained poor GCSE grades have
to develop solutions for Functional Skills.
the Ordnance Survey’s Mapping News. found new self-belief alongside academically gifted
Muhammad Uddin and Rob Jay spent a very students.
We have assessments and resources covering Entry 1
Learning Resources
interesting summer with BAE Systems Submarine Exceptionally innovative projects may potentially
to Level 2 for Functional Skills, suitable for Key Stages
Solutions in Weymouth, while Eliot Jones spent his time win inspirational prizes for themselves and their schools.
3 and 4, and upwards. Our priority is to ensure the
with BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies in The National Science Competition showcases selected
solutions we provide are completely fit for purpose
Skill Checks to confirm competence
Dorchester. outstanding Nuffield projects at “The Big Bang Fair”
and designed for educational excellence.
The students were able to investigate problems which takes place annually in National Science and
independently, experience engineering first-hand, try Engineering Week. Students who choose to register
How we can support your school
Functional Skills Scenarios
out new equipment, and suggest solutions. their projects for the British Science Association’s Gold
We understand that Functional Skills are an
Crest Award may win extra prizes.
unknown quantity to many. Whether you purchase
Among those impressed by the scheme is Dr Jeremy
the bksb solutions or not, we are dedicated to Complete school
Get involved
Rowe, curriculum co-ordinator for biology at Thomas
supporting schools throughout England to prepare
Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries
Hardye School.
for implementation in September 2010. We can do
package from just
offer key stage 5 (or equivalent)
He said: “Feedback from several students who have
this with a variety of free consultancy options and
been to university and are now doing PhDs has clearly
have regional advisors with a wealth of teaching
students funded summer STEM
shown me that this has been a life-changing experience
experience based around the country.
placements. Students have the
for them. They have commented on how much they
£550 pa
opportunity to work alongside practising have enjoyed it and how useful it has been to them in
scientists, technologists, engineers and
their careers and how it spurred them into doing further
mathematicians over a four to six-week
study in their subjects.”
period during their summer holidays. The
Sometimes students face problems committing
their whole summer vacation to the scheme due to
Nuffield Foundation supports the students
curriculum, exam and school year restrictions locally.
with a bursary of £80 per week. To apply, The timing of recruitment is crucial – a student who
Tel:01623 413333
contact the Nuffield co-ordinator for your
knows about the scheme well in advance can plan the
project flexibly with a host organisation and prevent
bksbenquiries@bksb.co.uk
area. Details can be found on
www.nuffieldfoundation.org/scb
conflict with other plans that their family may make; a
www.bksb.co.uk
project may even contribute to coursework.
Now is a good time to start planning projects
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SecEd • February 25 2010 13
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