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What does great enrichment look like?

By Sarah Dagnell posted an hour ago

Primary STEM Month feels like the perfect moment to pause and think about what sits beyond the lesson.

The recent Curriculum and Assessment Review really shines a light on this. This one line stuck with me: “Evidence shows that extra-curricular enrichment participation is associated with higher educational achievement… and positive outcomes in adulthood.” Children who had engaged with enrichment opportunities were significantly more likely to progress to higher education than those who did not.

Enrichment is important. It’s not an add-on, it’s part of the bigger picture of what helps children thrive. Here are a few places to start.

ESERO-UK

If you haven’t explored the ESERO website recently, it’s definitely worth a look. It brings STEM to life by using space as a powerful, engaging context to inspire learning. Their site is packed with resources, CPD, competitions and awareness days.

One highlight is Protecting Our Planet Day (POP) an annual live-streamed event where experts working on climate and space-related challenges connect directly with classrooms. It’s back in November, so keep an eye out for registration.

ESERO also run competitions and challenges like the Moon Camp Challenge, where children design human space habitats anywhere in the solar system. Submissions are open now and you can find more information here.

STEM Ambassadors

The STEM Ambassador programme is a powerful way to connect pupils with real people in STEM. Volunteers from across STEM industries work with schools to share real-life career stories and experiences, helping to break stereotypes and show what STEM can look like beyond the classroom.

You can request a STEM ambassador free of charge to talk about their career, provide STEM support teachers and help with STEM clubs happening in your school. Book onto a short online information session to discover how to access STEM volunteers to enhance teaching and learning here.

Computing enrichment with the NCCE

The National Centre for Computing Education offers a wide range of enrichment activities, from competitions and clubs to hands-on challenges that broaden pupils’ understanding of computing.

The I Belong programme supports schools to create inclusive environments and encourage all learners to see themselves in computing. For more information click here.