Welcome to STEM News

Please see below for our current opportunities for STEM Ambassadors to support schools and colleges across Suffolk.

The Suffolk STEM Bulletin Page has the latest information about STEM Activities, funding, competitions and other STEM enrichment opportunities that will be of interest to teachers and lecturers. 

Please visit our STEM Resources Page (currentlly under construction) for information on useful resources, hiring of our K'Nex Kits and useful websites.

Click here to read more about how some of our Ambassadors have been supporting schools and teachers. (currently under construction)

STEM Ambassador Engineering Engagement Project.

Date & Venue: Tbc.

The Royal Academy of Engineering and STEMNET have worked together to produce a suite of high quality activities and support resources for use by STEM Ambassadors and STEM Clubs.  Tried and tested by and with schools, they offer a range of ideas for activities, accompanied by support resources, that enable STEM Ambassadors to enhance their engagement with students aged 11-14 years and increase links between schools, ambassadors, industry and universities.  More information can be found at: www.raeng.org.uk/eenp

These resources are now available for use and we are looking for 10-15 Ambassadors, with an interest or background in any kind of engineering to come along to a short training/briefing session (approx 2hrs) to look at the resources, try out some of the activities and discuss how they could be used with students, or adapted for use within your own work context.  We hope to hold the session sometime in the next 6-8 weeks in a school and with teachers on hand to give their input and ideas.

Do please get in touch if you are interested or want to know more, and we particularly would like to hear from any women engineers as part of the project is to challenge engineering stereotypes and the misperceptions of many young people: ann.cloke@suffolkebp.co.uk // 01473 408060 // 07768 903392.

Chantry High School, Ipswich - Various Dates.

Chantry High School, Ipswich, have various talks due to take place between January and March 2012. The school would like to hear from anyone who can help with their Year 11 (15 – 16yr olds) assemblies.    

Chantry High School hold their Year 11 assemblies on Mondays between 8.30am – 9.00am.  The format is that visiting speakers can arrive at 8.30am, or before, to sample the school breakfast if they wish.  The Assistant Head introduces the speaker to the audience (approximately 160 students) and they can then do a presentation.  Speakers, if they are able to, can stay behind for hospitality and to look around the school.  Between 10.30am to 11.00am, Year 11 students and staff have the opportunity to talk in small groups to the speaker and for questions/answers to be exchanged.  They are then invited to visit their HIVE area.

This format appears to have been very well received so far as students feel more comfortable approaching the speaker in smaller groups to ask questions. Topics for the Assemblies are built around the students PSHE lessons so there are a number of themes to tie in with different employers, or perspectives.

Please note: The type of employer/experience is a suggestion and anyone who thinks they can contribute a different topic is most welcome as we want to put as many different types of employers as we can in front of these young people but also need to bear in mind that we need volunteers who are able to engage with this age group.

If you are able to help with any of these events, please contact Angela Edwards, EBP Area Manager South: angela.edwards@suffolkebp.co.uk  / 01473 408061 / 07768 903391 as soon as possible - copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.

Western Area Careers Fairs - Ambassadors Needed ASAP!

Andy Mawby, Suffolk EBP Western Area Manager, is working with schools in the west area to hold a number of different Careers Fairs where STEM Ambassador support and help is needed.  His request is stated below:

• Stowmarket High School, Suffolk - Tuesday 21st February 2012, 11.10am - 4.00pm
• Newmarket College, Suffolk - Tuesday 27th March 2012, 9.30am - 4.00pm
• Sudbury Upper School, Suffolk - Wednesday 28th March 2012, 11.30am - 3.30pm

"We would like the Careers Fairs to be as interactive as possible and provide the Year 10 & 11 students (aged 14 - 16 year olds) with the chance to discuss and try out different careers.

We are looking for Ambassadors / businesses / organisations to be involved in one or all of the following ways;

• Manage a stand and provide information on your sector and business for the stdents to take away
• Manage a stand and provide an interactive challenge or task for the students to solve
• Provide interactive resources and materials wherever possible to support the information
• Take part in 'Mock Interviews' and provide feedback to the students

We need Ambassador involvement in order for us to achieve the following objectives;

• To provide students with the answers that they need in order to make well-informed career decisions
• To provide information regarding careers via presentations, information gathering and interactive activities.
• To create links between students and employers, while also promoting the developement of employability, most importantly networking and communication which are essential to a successful career in any field."

If you are able to help, or want to know more about any of the events above, please contact Andy Mawby directly as soon as possible: andy.mawby@suffolkebp.co.uk and/or 01473 408060 / 07768 903394.

The Denes High School, Lowestoft - Thursday 23rd February 2012.

The Denes High School are holding a ‘Choices’ evening for their Year 9 (13 – 14 yrs) students and their parents between 6.00pm and 8.30pm and would like some Ambassadors to assist by having a promotional company stand and talking to students.

The school hold this event every year and invite along numerous businesses and colleges to have stands, which gives the students the opportunity to talk to different businesses to find out what jobs are available, what qualifications they would require and also about apprenticeships.  This event helps the students to choose the relevant options for their future careers.

If you would like to assist with this event or would like more information, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in Jenny Chilvers: JChilvers@denes.suffolk.sch.uk.

Go with the Flow Youth Bus Open Day - Friday 24th February 2012.

Why not come along and see it for yourself?

Suffolk EBP would like to invite you to our Go with the Flow - Community Youth Bus Open Day – Friday 24th February between 10am and 3pm, at Kesgrave Community Centre.

Currently used to provide valuable community outreach to young people in rural Suffolk Coastal, the bus has been converted to include:

• Wireless broadband and printer

• Small meeting (chill out) room
• Kitchen area
• Sound and music system
• TV Screens
• X box and Nintendo WII plus games
• Macbooks

But the bus could be used for much more.  Your views on how we can use this resource for wider benefit would be welcome.

It could also provide you with a valuable marketing tool to use to promote your business in Suffolk.

Further information can be found at: http://www.gowiththeflowbus.com/ and the invitation can be viewed on the 'Downloads Page' - But why not come along and see it for yourself?

Please feel free to contact Jenni Carberry if you have any questions: jenni.carberry@suffolkebp.co.uk .

We look forward to seeing you there!

Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge - Tuesday 6th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 24th February 2012.

Ufford Park are hosting an interview skills day for twenty 6th Form students on general employability skills.

Ambassadors are needed who have a knowledge of HR interview skills and CV writing to assist 6th Formers in making the most of their skills to ensure successful job or university / higher education applications.
There will be tasks and resources provided.

Please contact Angela Edwards with offers of assistance, angela.edwards@suffolkebp.co.uk  - copying us in ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.

Thurston Community College - Tuesday 6th March 2012.

Thurston Community College are holding a ‘Deep Learning Day’ with their Year 9 (13 – 14 yr) students with a CSI Forensics and K’Nex theme.

They are looking for STEM Ambassadors to go into school to work with the students on building cranes and looking at finger prints.  Ambassadors are welcome to stay for 2 or 3 lessons or for a 100 minute session on the day.

If you would like to assist with this event or would like more information, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in Jean Wheeler: Jean.Wheeler@thurstoncollege.suffolk.sch.uk.

Hartismere High School, Eye - Saturday 10th March 2012.

Hartismere High School are holding a science fair for the students and local community and are planning on having different stands with various hand on activities for everyone to be involved in.

The main aim of the event is to engage and excite everyone about science.
All primary feeder schools and other local secondary schools will be invited to participate in this event.

The school are looking for Ambassadors / Employers to come along and be involved. This could be from a careers stand about different science routes to presenting a 'live show'.

If you are able to help with this event, please contact Abi Coles directly: aco@hartismere.com - copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .

Leiston High School, Suffolk - Date: tbc                                  

Deadline for offers of assistance: 24^th February 2012.                    (Most likely be w/c: 12th March 2012.)

Leiston High School are holding a 'Raft Building Enterprise Day' and STEM Ambassadors are required to help 13 – 14 Year old students to create and build rafts / boats 1m x 2m within school, encouraging creativity, team working and problem solving skills – don’t worry, they don’t need to float!

As well as constructing a vessel, the students have to conceive a theme which could be related to school, a hobby or a business.

This is a fun event and will be very enjoyable!

If you would like to find out how you can be involved with this event, please contact Jenni Carberry directly: jenni.carberry@suffolkebp.co.uk and/or 01473 408061 // 07789 302263 - copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.

Cliff Lane Primary School, Ipswich - W/C 12th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 27^th February 2012.

Cliff Lane Primary School are having a whole school activities week commencing Monday 12^th March 2012 for pupils from all year groups, ages 5-11yrs.

The science activity – engineering (vehicles and structures) – will see the children in parallel classes working on designing, building and testing vehicles or possibly load bearing structures with a view to holding a competition at the end of the week.

They are looking for Ambassadors with a Forces or Engineering background to share their expertise and to support classes in designing, building and testing vehicles and structures etc.

If you would like more information or to offer your help, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in Kelly Landers: k.landers@sky.com.

"I'm an Engineer, get me out of here!" - 12th - 23rd March 2012.

"I’m an Engineer….." is an award winning engineering enrichment and engagement activity, funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. It takes place online (so it’s accessible to everyone – you can take part from your desk!) over a two week period. It’s an X Factor-style competition for engineers, where students are the judges.

The event gets teenagers talking to real engineers, online, and learning about engineering.  Students have fun, but also get beyond stereotypes, learn about the wide range of opportunities in engineering and how the wide range of opportunities in engineering relates to real life.  The event brings engineering to life for students.

We are currently looking for Engineers to participate in this event from all different areas of engineering.  This link provides more information about the event and how to sign up http://imanengineer.org.uk/engineers/engineers-the-event should you be interested.

We are also looking for some help with ideas and themes for the event from professionals in the industry.  There will be zones grouped in themes and we are looking for ideas on what the best themes / categories for these zones might be.  The website has more details about this. http://imanengineer.org.uk/2011/09/zone-selection.

Please sign up before 1st March 2012 if you would like to participate.

Chantry High School, Ipswich - 14th-16th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 29th February 2012.

Chantry High School are holding 'Primary School World of Work Days' between 14th and 16th March 2012.

This event is for Key Stage 2 students, from the feeder primary schools, showcasing the different types of jobs that are available to young people. Part of the programme is to raise awareness to children, and partents, of jobs fthe future.

There will be a carousel of employers with hands on activities.

* Ambassadors with a construction / engineering background are needed to deliver K'Nex Challenges in half
   hour slots.
* Ambassadors / Employers with hospitality background needed to help pupils set silver service table
   setting and napkin folding.
* Journalists, PR, HR recruitment employers needed to look at job adverts with students.

If would like to help with this event, please contact Angela Edwards, EBP Area Manager South: angela.edwards@suffolkebp.co.uk  - copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.

Felixstowe Question Time Event - Thursday 15^th March 2012. 

Deadline for offers of assistance: 24^th February 2012.                     Venue: tbc

The idea behind this event is for young people to be able to talk to employers to find out what employability skills they need to develop for their futures.  We are targeting a maximum of 50 young people who are either not in employment, education or training (NEET) or potential NEET.  We will be holding it outside of school hours to make it less formal and more relaxed so that the young people will be more open.

We would welcome STEM Ambassadors from any subject or area of expertise to come along and talk about their career history and their experiences of school and also to highlight any career opportunities in their individual workplaces if possible; however this is not expected.

If you would like more information or to offer your help, please contact Jenni Carberry: jenni.carberry@suffolkebp.co.uk copying us in ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.

Pakefield High School, Lowestoft - Friday 23rd March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 1st March 2012.

Pakefield High School are holding a LE@P (Learning Experience at Pakefield) day for the whole school of 380 students around building a land yacht.  Students will build, test and present land yachts with the day culminating in a ‘Dragons Den’ final.

They would like Ambassadors to come along on the day, between 8.15am – 3.15pm (8.30am-12.30pm preferred), to support the students with the build, ideas, testing and use of hot glue guns.  They will also need to support the form tutors in helping the students to make quality products and presentations.

* Hot glue gun expertise would help.

If you are able to offer your assistance, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Melanie Matthews at Pakefield High School mm@spakefield.org.uk

Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge – Monday 26^th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 2^nd March 2012.

The Farlingaye High School Question Time event is designed to help young people identify the skills they require for the world of work.  Employers talk through their career history with students during the first half of the morning and the second half is the Question Time element with employers being asked questions as a group.

We are looking for employers from a multitude of careers to assist with this event.

Who knows, you could inspire someone to follow in your footsteps!

You will be asked to talk to the students about your career journey using a career lifecycle (which the EBP will produce for you - so no extra work involved) and answer any questions from the students.  At the end you will need to be available to talk to the students a bit more about your current employment area.

If you would like to find out how you can be involved with this event, please contact Jenni Carberry directly: jenni.carberry@suffolkebp.co.uk and/or 01473 408061 // 07789 302263. (Copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk)

Suffolk New College, Ipswich - Monday 26th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 1^st March 2012.

Suffolk New College are holding a ‘Taster Day’ for their students (between 9.30am – 1.30pm) to showcase employability, progression and enterprise opportunities and are looking for Employers and STEM Ambassadors who can come along with a stand for their organisation. The event will take place in the College atrium area where students can speak to them and gather information about the skills required to go into different sectors or future training.  Ideally they would like to hear from employers / Ambassadors whose sector links to courses of study at the college to help show progression routes.  These sectors include construction & the built environment, electrical & electronics engineering, information technology, automotive industry and sustainable energy.

They would also like to hear from Ambassadors who would be willing to help facilitate 20 minute workshops on CV writing, interview skills, setting up in business and how to help yourself become more employable.

If you are able to help or would like more information, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Angela Edwards: angela.edwards@suffolkebp.co.uk .

St Alban's Catholic High School, Ipswich - Wednesday 28^th March 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 29^th February 2012.

St Alban's High School are holding a Careers Fair on 28^th March 2012 between 9am – 3pm in their main hall.

The day will be aimed at students aged 13 – 18 years.  They will generally provide a table, ask businesses to answer questions students may have and, if possible, to provide leaflets / information for students to take away.  If possible, you could have a visual aid running on laptop too.

Any free gifts – pens, stickers etc always work as a good ‘carrot’ to get students to come and talk to you!

They would like Ambassadors (preferably) from the following sectors:

·         Design / Arts / Crafts

·         Languages/Info / Culture

·         Leisure / Sport / Tourism

·         Media Print / Publishing

·         Performing Arts

·         Personal (eg beautician / hair dressers etc)

·         Science / Maths / Statistics

·         Transport / Logistics

If you would like to offer your help with this event please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Dawn Garnham at St Alban’s High School: dgarnham@st-albans.suffolk.sch.uk

Copleston High School, Ipswich - Thursday 29th March 2012. 

Deadline for offers of assistance: 27^th February 2012.

Copleston High School are holding a ‘Futures Fair’ for all Year 10 – Year 13 students (14yr+) with the aim of stimulating and inspiring young people and also to promote awareness of opportunities available to them.

They are looking for Ambassadors to stand and chat to the young people about pathways and routes, especially STEM skills etc.

If you would like more information or to offer your help, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in Jo Leverett: jo@suffolkchamber.co.uk

Northgate High School, Ipswich - 17th & 18th April 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 30^th March 2012.

Northgate High School are holding Year 10 (14 - 15yrs) Enterprise Days in April where the students will work in groups of 6 - 8 and focus on designing, advertising and marketing a product.

They would like to hear from any Ambassadors who are able to assist them by working with individual groups.  Entrepreneurial ideas, support and enthusiasm are the only requirements!

Coffee and a buffet lunch will be provided.

If you are able to assist with this event or would like further information please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Claire Gray at Northgate High School clg@northgate.suffolk.sch.uk.

North Suffolk Skills Centre - 20th & 24th April 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 1^st March 2012

These ‘Work Festival and Student Achievement’ events are being run as a ‘Big Conversations’ events but on a smaller scale and are being held at the North Suffolk Skills Centre. 

The Year 11 (15-16yr) students involved are either studying construction, engineering diploma, catering, hair & beauty diploma, hairdressing and motor vehicle and the aim of these events is to promote the young people’s skills to employers.

Employers / Ambassadors will be able to see students working in vocational areas and the students will have an opportunity to listen to employers on their life cycles, highlighting employability skills.  Students will have conversations with employers / Ambassadors about their future and opportunities within the industries.

In the afternoon, the employers / Ambassadors will be asked to award certificates to students on their achievements and an overall award to a student achiever.

Tea/coffee will be provided throughout the day and a buffet lunch will also be provided.

If you are able to help between 9.30am – 3.00pm, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Karen Hurdle at the North Suffolk Skills Centre: k.hurdle@lowestoft.ac.uk .

Stoke High School, Ipswich - Thursday 3rd May 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 20^th April 2012.

Stoke High School are holding a science curriculum day for the whole of Year 7 (11 – 12 Year olds) on 3^rd May, with a ‘Space’ focus, and would like to hear from any Ambassadors who can assist on the day.

The pupils will do a carousel of activities during the day, these are;

1. An astrodome with presenter – pupils have a virtual tour of the sky
2. A debate on whether the moon landings actually happened
3. Life on Uranus where planet temperatures are looked at using liquid nitrogen
4. Building a moon buggy (using K’Nex) to carry a passenger (egg) over a course which is to be designed when they know what the buggies can do.

STEM Ambassadors are needed to help with activities 2 and 4 – two or three groups will be doing this task at the same time so 2 or 3 Ambassadors would be appreciated.

If you would like to offer your help with this event please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Heather Anderson at Stoke High School handerson@stokehigh.co.uk.

New Cangle Primary School, Haverhill - 21st & 22nd June 2012.

New Cangle Primary School in Haverhill are organising a Science Fair to take place on 21st and 22nd June 2012.

The science fair is for all Year 6 students (10-11yrs) in the Haverhill pyramid schools - approximately 360 students.  This is going to be a two day event and will take place at Samuel Ward Upper School. 

They are looking for STEM Ambassadors to run activities for about 20-25 minutes for around 10-15 students at a time.  The students will move around each workshop / stand throughout the day, with timetabled breaks.

If you would like to offer your assistance, please contact Hannah Tyzak directly via nc.teacher19@yahoo.co.uk - copying us in as usual - ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.      

Hillside Primary School, Ipswich - Thursday 28th June 2012.

Deadline for offers of assistance: 31^st May 2012.

The school will be running a Green Day linking the Science and DT curriculum, focusing on energy reduction in Years 5 & 6 (9 – 11yrs) and the 3 Rs in years Reception – Year 4 (3 – 9yrs).

This will be the launch day for gaining Eco Schools status and is a full-day event.

Each year group will be focusing on learning about these areas and completing a practical project for the day.

They would love for Ambassadors to work alongside the teacher in each class during the day to offer advice and to assist the children with their projects.

If you would like to offer your assistance, please contact us: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk copying in: Matthew Holmes at Hillside Primary School matthew_holmes2003@yahoo.co.uk.