I was absolutely inspired recently at the ASE Conference Primary keynote, where I met the team from ‘Science Across the City’ who shared their amazing Science improvement/ development journey which originated in Stoke-on-Trent and subsequently across the wider community.
Following changes in local authority support structures and no immediate localised support for primary science, Karen Peters- a PSST fellow- established a PSTT cluster of ten schools, meeting regularly. Passionate about all things primary science related, as headteacher to Moorpark Junior School and CEO of The New Guild Trust, Karen built capacity for action through co-leadership of the cluster with Tina Whittaker- a primary science specialist, passionate about Stoke-on-Trent.
Overtime, the community of teachers across Stoke-on-Trent expanded through further opportunities including Ogden partnerships, DfE Opportunity area grants and Enthuse partnerships. Great science teachers within the locality are now recognised in Stoke-on-Trent as SCIENCE INFLUENCERS- sharing and signposting to great ideas for science, asking questions of each other and using their own particular strengths/ specialisms to peer support across schools. A legacy of the different funding streams, the passion and the collaborative culture has created a real force in primary science education.
Science influencers have made such a positive impact across many schools for literally thousands of pupils- after having been identified by the DfE as a geographical area requiring support to improve. Their resulting research/publications are helping to shape science education.
Science Influencers- A Model for professional identity, esteem and value.
Sinead Carroll-Knight, Andie Hughes, Nicky Malkin, Dawn McCann, Karen Peters,
Becki Price, Clare Warren and Tina Whittaker.
Department for Education opportunities 19/20 Review by Clare Warren/PSQM
Science Across the City
Stoke-on Trent opportunities were designed to raise the profile, engage learning and connect schools, and narrow the gap in opportunities across schools.
In the conference session the discussion was around teacher well-being and looked at: how to use existing resources to support teacher workload, how confidence and investment in people breeds success, and how proud the team are of what they have done in Stoke- quite rightly. Joint practice development has been integral to their success- an idea which historically, sadly, has often been ignored in many practices in favour of personal success. But this collaborative and supportive working style is a brilliant way to develop community, collaboration and confidence amongst staff.
SATC devised and share their simple 'Three E model for Professional Growth'. Engaging, enabling, empowering- investing in teachers learning and careers is vital in embedding this practice. The non- competitive culture has been integral in closing the Science gap across Stoke.
We are proud at STEM Learning to say that this same community are about to conclude a STEM Enthuse Partnership of 60 schools- this is massive. We are looking forward to visiting Stoke on Trent in March to see/feel the impact for ourselves when we join Head teachers and Science Leads/Influencers for their conference. We will be celebrating/reporting on this in a wider way and will keep you up to speed on our website and across our socials.
Thanks so much to the Team at SATC for your guidance in ensuring the accuracy of this piece.