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Weekly news round up: 22/10/24

By Tim Bradbury posted 17 days ago

  

In the ever-evolving world of STEM education, this past week has seen a range of critical updates, challenges, and reflections from across the UK. Whether you are an educator, leader, or policymaker, staying up to date with the latest trends and issues is essential for fostering an environment where students can thrive. Below is a detailed look at the most impactful news stories published from 16th to 22nd October 2024, aimed at helping STEM teachers navigate this shifting landscape.


1. ‘Severely Absent’ School Children Surge Since Pandemic

A report by Sky News revealed that the number of "severely absent" children in UK schools is now 160% higher than pre-pandemic levels. This concerning trend has significant implications for STEM education, as absenteeism could exacerbate existing gaps in learning, particularly in subjects where cumulative knowledge is critical. The absence of students may hinder their ability to grasp complex concepts in subjects such as mathematics and science.

Read the full article on Sky News


2. Schools' Focus on STEM and Technology Amid Budget Constraints

Schools Week highlighted how schools are grappling with shrinking budgets, which affects their ability to invest in STEM resources. For example, councils have had to scrap rewards and recognition schemes for long-serving teachers, limiting funds that could have supported STEM-focused extracurricular activities. This comes at a time when resources are crucial to inspiring and engaging students in fields such as engineering and technology.

Explore the full story on Schools Week


3. The "Build Up" School Scheme Shelved

The Schools Week report shed light on the shelving of an ambitious STEM project intended to establish a "build up" school scheme. The project, which could have supported STEM learning environments, was halted due to planning issues and market conditions. This decision delays the creation of modern learning spaces tailored to hands-on scientific and technological education, a vital component of real-world STEM learning.

Find out more about this issue here


4. Planned ‘Elite’ Sixth Forms in Doubt Due to Value-for-Money Review

FE Week reported that 44 planned elite sixth forms, which often focus on delivering advanced STEM subjects, are now under review. With education policy increasingly focused on value for money, this uncertainty threatens to limit high-achieving students’ access to specialised STEM education at a crucial stage of their academic journey. Without these resources, the pipeline for future engineers, scientists, and technologists may face more challenges.

Read the full details on FE Week


5. Teacher Pay Scales Finalised: Impact on STEM Retention

The finalised teacher pay scales for 2024, announced this week, included a 5.5% increase for teachers and leaders in England. However, Schools Week expressed concerns that these increases might not be enough to retain STEM teachers, who often leave the profession for better-paying roles in the private sector. The challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified STEM educators remains a critical issue for schools looking to offer robust science and mathematics curricula.

Learn more about the pay scale update here


6. Supporting SEND in STEM

A deep dive into SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) spending and support issues from Schools Week highlighted the growing demand for targeted support in STEM classrooms. With SEND students often needing additional resources and tailored teaching approaches, the pressure is mounting on schools to ensure that all learners, regardless of ability, can engage with STEM subjects and thrive in these areas.

Full SEND analysis on Schools Week


7. Crisis in Schools Creating a NEET Problem for Further Education

Furthering the focus on attendance issues, FE Week explored how rising absenteeism in schools is pushing more students into the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category. This poses a specific challenge for post-16 STEM education, as many students who fall behind during their school years struggle to re-engage with the more technical and skills-based aspects of STEM subjects in later education.

Read the in-depth report on FE Week


Reflections for STEM Educators:

As STEM teachers and leaders, it is essential to reflect on how these national trends might affect the classroom and beyond. Here are some key takeaways and questions to consider:

  1. Absenteeism and STEM Learning: How can schools and educators support students who have missed critical learning due to absence, particularly in cumulative STEM subjects like maths and science?

  2. Budget Constraints: In what creative ways can STEM programs continue to thrive in an environment of shrinking budgets? Are there community partnerships or alternative funding sources that could support STEM initiatives?

  3. SEND in STEM: How can schools ensure that SEND students are receiving the tailored support they need to excel in STEM subjects, and what more can be done to create inclusive STEM classrooms?

  4. Retention of STEM Teachers: With pay and work-life balance being key factors in teacher retention, what strategies can schools employ to retain high-quality STEM teachers, especially when private sector roles offer higher compensation?

By addressing these challenges head-on, STEM educators can help ensure that all students—regardless of background or circumstance—are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly STEM-driven world.

Note: This blog post is an AI curated summary of news articles from various sources. The aim is to provide educators with a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the education sector. All hyperlinks direct readers to the original news articles for further reading.

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