Members' Blogs

CPD Drop: STEM Community Live - AI in STEM Education – Enhancing Lesson Planning with AI

By Tim Bradbury posted 4 days ago
STEM Community Live: AI in Education – 220 Members Joined One of Our Largest Sessions Yet! Click here to go to the CPD Drop - recorded STEM Community Live session: https://community.stem.org.uk/browse/cpd-drops Our latest STEM Community Live webinar, AI in Education: Smarter Teaching, Better Learning , brought together 220 members for an engaging discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in education. A big thank you to our expert speakers for sharing their insights on AI-powered teaching tools, ethical considerations, and future developments in AI-driven education. This session provided members with practical insights and tools to ...

Weekly news round up: 18/3/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 5 days ago
The past week has been packed with significant updates for educators across the UK. From curriculum reforms to ongoing challenges with student attendance and digital skills training, several key stories will impact how STEM subjects are taught and assessed. This round-up summarises the most important news from the week, tailored for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers working in STEM education. 1. Major Curriculum Review: Primary Content Cuts and GCSE Reform on the Horizon 📌 Source: Schools Week The government has released an interim report on its curriculum review, suggesting potential cuts to primary school content and fewer GCSE ...

Get Creative with Maths! Enter the BSHM Schools Prize in the History of Mathematics 2024-25

By Tim Bradbury posted 5 days ago
Calling all young maths enthusiasts, history buffs, and creative minds! The British Society for the History of Mathematics (BSHM) is back with its 2024-25 Schools Prize, and this year’s challenge is all about exploring the world of Ethnomathematics. What’s the Prize All About? Every year, we celebrate students who bring mathematical history to life through essays, videos, songs, or even something totally unique! This competition is open to students in UK and Republic of Ireland schools, with two age categories: 11-15 years old 16-19 years old (Note: If you’ve won or been a runner-up in a category before, you’ll need to enter the ...

Making Learning Irresistible: The Power of Enrichment

By Tim Bradbury posted 6 days ago
A new report by the Centre for Young Lives , commissioned by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) and NCS Trust, shines a light on something many of us in the STEM Community already know— enrichment activities can make a real difference to school attendance. Whether it's sports, arts clubs, volunteering, or STEM-focused opportunities, giving students meaningful and enjoyable experiences outside the classroom helps them feel more connected to school and learning. The Attendance Crisis: Why Enrichment Matters The report highlights a growing concern: school attendance is in crisis . Across England: Up to 300,000 children are missing ...

Apple iPads and school science show to be won - Ultimate STEM Challenge: Feed our future

By Elizabeth Hooper posted 10 days ago
Looking to inspire your pupils to eat healthily then think about entering the Ultimate STEM Challenge. This is part of the Energising Futures programme, funded by bp. It features TV presenter, broadcaster and author Stefan Gates, who helps students explore innovative ideas, learn from the scientists behind these concepts, and develop their own vision for future food. This challenge aligns with the national curriculum and is a perfect addition for teachers looking to teach about the importance of a healthy diet. Helpful information:   🏆 A winner will be chosen from each age category (9–11-year-olds and 11–14-year-olds) and ...

Weekly news round up: 11/03/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 12 days ago
For UK STEM educators, policy watchers, and school leaders As we move into the second week of March 2025, the education sector continues to see debates on curriculum reforms, assessment pressures, and the challenges of ensuring quality STEM education across the UK. This week’s education news covers key issues, including a widening gender gap in maths, evolving funding landscapes, the use of manipulatives in STEM teaching, and growing concerns about SEND provisions. Below is a summary of the latest education stories from multiple sources, tailored for STEM educators in the UK. 1. The Gender Gap in Maths is Growing Again 📌 Source: TES The ...

Weekly news round up: 4/3/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 19 days ago
The past week has been a busy one in the world of education, with stories ranging from teacher shortages to digital skills gaps, policy changes, and innovative approaches to attendance. In this long-read, we’ll explore key developments from the UK education sector, particularly those relevant to STEM educators, while also touching on broader themes that impact schools, colleges, and universities. 1. Special Schools and STEM Teacher Shortages 📌 Source: Schools Week A new report highlights that special schools struggle to recruit teachers from training routes , relying instead on those with mainstream teaching experience to develop the necessary ...

Why every school day is Safer Internet Day

By Tim Bradbury posted 20 days ago
STEM Community exclusive by Marion Reilly for BBC Teach In February, thousands of schools marked Safer Internet Day to help children and young people to navigate the digital world safely. The theme this year was ‘Too good to be true’ and encouraged children to protect themselves from scams online. A Censuswide survey of primary teachers [1] , commissioned by BBC Teach, suggests primary aged children may well be exposed to online scams. A third (33%) of primary teachers said at least one child in their class had reported being a victim of an online scam and a similar number (35%) felt that the number of children being scammed each year ...

Your Expertise is Needed as a City & Guilds Associate!

By Tim Bradbury posted 23 days ago
Are you passionate about STEM education and eager to shape the future of vocational learning? City & Guilds is looking for experienced professionals to join their network of Associate Roles , offering an exciting opportunity for STEM teachers to apply their expertise beyond the classroom. Why Become a City & Guilds Associate? As a STEM educator, you already play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. But have you considered how your experience could influence vocational qualifications and assessments? City & Guilds associates help maintain the integrity and quality of qualifications ...

Weekly news round up: 25/02/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 26 days ago
Welcome to this week’s education news roundup, where we explore the most pressing stories affecting schools, colleges, and educators across the UK. This week’s focus is on STEM education, alongside key policy shifts and developments in the broader education landscape. From curriculum updates and skills shortages to policy changes and funding concerns, here’s what’s been making headlines. 1. Maths and Writing Trials: 1,500 Schools Invited to Participate 📌 Source: Schools Week The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is launching 11 new research projects focused on maths, writing, communication, and language development . The initiative ...

CPD DROPS ARE BACK! STEM Community Live Q&A - British Science Week Planning and Resources

By Tim Bradbury posted 19-02-2025
Our weekly CPD Drops are back, and we’re kicking things off with an exciting STEM Community Live Q&A session! This week, we’re joined by Kate Sutton and Linda Crouch , our seconded teachers, for an open discussion on all things British Science Week . Whether you’re an educator looking for fresh activity ideas or a STEM Ambassador keen to get involved, this is your chance to ask questions and gain expert insights on making the most of this nationwide celebration of science. 💡 Join us for: ✅ Practical tips for running British Science Week activities ✅ Advice on engaging students in STEM ✅ Answers to your burning questions from experienced ...

Weekly news round up: 18/2/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 18-02-2025
Welcome to this week’s education and STEM news roundup, bringing you the most important stories affecting schools, teachers, and students in the UK. Whether it's policy updates, curriculum changes, or breakthroughs in STEM, we've got you covered. Let’s dive in. 📌 Schools and Funding Updates Free School Receives £500k Government Bailout A free school that converted from an independent school to an academy has received a £500,000 bailout due to financial struggles after increasing staff pay. The government has stepped in to cover the costs following concerns about the school’s financial sustainability. Read more . Expansion of Free School Meal ...

2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

By Elizabeth Calvert posted 11-02-2025
The event marks 100 years since the development of matrix mechanics (Quantum Mechanics) by German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1925 on the Island of Helgoland off the coast of Germany. This was the first formal mathematical framework for quantum mechanics, enabling the prediction of quantum behaviour in atoms, such as emission spectra. Later that year, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger devised an alternative approach called wave mechanics, which became more popular and widely accepted, this was published in 1926. STEM Learning resources to support teaching Quantum Ambassadors Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics ...

Online safety issues reach primary school children

By Tim Bradbury posted 11-02-2025
Ahead of Safer Internet Day 2025 on 11 February, a Censuswide survey commissioned by BBC Teach suggests that online safety, often considered an issue for teenagers, is a growing problem amongst younger children. The survey indicates that more than three-quarters (80%) of primary school teachers are aware of at least one safeguarding incident linked to online safety in the past 12 months. Meanwhile, a third (36%) of teachers reported that safeguarding incidents, linked to online safety, had increased at their primary school. Teaching online safety, often referred to as ‘safe use of technology’ in curriculum documents, is a requirement for schools across ...

Weekly news round up: 11/02/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 11-02-2025
The STEM Educator’s Weekly Roundup: Key Education News (4th - 11th February 2025) Welcome to this week’s blog, where we explore the latest education stories, particularly those relevant to STEM teachers in the UK. Whether it's policy shifts, new research, or innovative teaching methods, this roundup provides insights and reflections for the classroom. 1. SEND and Special Educational Needs Policy Updates Assessing Absent and Excluded Pupils for SEND A new report suggests that students who are frequently absent or excluded from school should be automatically assessed for special educational needs (SEND). The study highlights a "postcode ...

Play for the Planet 2

By Tim Bradbury posted 06-02-2025
Are you curious about the role of games in environmental education, research, and public engagement? Whether you’re a teacher, seasoned game designer, a researcher, or simply passionate about tackling environmental challenges through games, Play for the Planet invites you to connect, learn, and play! Fri 25 April 2025, 9am to 5pm, In-person only, University of York, UK This one-day event celebrates the power of games—tabletop, digital, and role-playing—as tools for addressing the climate and ecological crises. Join us to: 🎓 Link research and practice in environmental gaming. 🎨 Share your experience in designing or researching ...

Weekly news round up: 04/02/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 04-02-2025
The past week has been eventful in education, with Ofsted reforms, curriculum changes, and funding concerns dominating the headlines. For STEM teachers in the UK, these developments present both challenges and opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the key stories, with reflections on their implications for teaching and learning. 1. Ofsted Report Cards: A New Era of School Accountability 📖 Read more | Sky News | Schools Week | Tes Ofsted’s newly announced school report cards aim to provide a more comprehensive and transparent overview of school performance. Schools will now be assessed in multiple categories rather than a ...

How Can I Teach the Same Content in the Class When Some Students Don’t Even Understand English?: The Importance of Diversifying Assessments

By Jo Suntornsawet posted 31-01-2025
The Importance of Diversifying Assessments in EAL Education As educators, we are often reminded that no two students are the same. This diversity becomes even more apparent when teaching STEM subjects to students who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). While teaching strategies tailored to EAL learners are essential, the way we assess these students can make or break their educational experience. This blog explores why diversifying assessments is crucial and how it can empower EAL students to showcase their true potential. The Challenges of Traditional Assessments for EAL Students Traditional assessments in STEM often rely heavily on language ...

Weekly news round up: 28/1/25

By Tim Bradbury posted 28-01-2025
The start of 2025 has been bustling with developments in education, and the STEM field is no exception. From innovative initiatives to address systemic challenges, to discussions on educational equity, there’s much for teachers to unpack. This blog consolidates the latest news stories from trusted education sources, focusing on STEM while exploring broader themes relevant to UK educators. Each story is hyperlinked for further reading. 1. Tackling Educational Inequities in STEM MPs Call for Reform in England’s SEND System A recent parliamentary report highlights how England’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system ...

Nominations Open for the Prestigious 2025 David Clark Prize

By Tim Bradbury posted 24-01-2025
Do you know an inspiring educator who has a gift for sparking a love for engineering in young minds? The ERA Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2025 David Clark Prize – an award designed to celebrate outstanding teachers who bring engineering to life in their classrooms. This year, the prize will honour two exceptional educators: one from a primary school and one from a secondary school, college, or University Technical College (UTC). Each winner will receive £3,000 as a personal award, and their institution will benefit from £12,000 over three years to enhance engineering initiatives. Celebrating Inspirational Educators The David Clark Prize ...