Welcome to STEM News
Please see below for our current list opportunities for STEM Ambassadors to support schools and colleges across Suffolk.
Please also visit our STEM Resources Page for information on Useful resources, Hiring of our K'Nex Kits, Competitions and details of Useful websites.
Click here to read more about how some of our Ambassadors have been supporting schools and teachers.
The Suffolk STEM Bulletin Page has the latest information about STEM Activities, Funding, Training and other STEM Enrichment Opportunities that will be of interest to teachers and lecturers in Suffolk schools.
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* Feedback Needed Please!
If you are a STEM Ambassador who has recently visited a school or supported a teacher, please leave us some feedback about your experience by clicking on the link below. Your feedback is critical to ensuring we provide a good service and to help us secure future funding. Thanks everyone!
STEM Ambassador Feedback Form.
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* New Cangle Primary School, Haverhill - May 2013.
We have received the following request from New Cangle Primary School:
“Next half term, our KS1 students (aged 5-7yrs) are doing all about wildlife in the UK for their first topic, and plants. I wondered if you had any Ambassadors that could come into school and talk to us at some point?
In lower KS2 (aged 7-9yrs) they are doing work on forces and motion, looking at gravity, friction etc. They would also be grateful if there was anyone suitable that could come in and do some work with the children.”
If you would like to offer your help with either of the above topics, please contactus in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* We have been asked to pass on the following vacancy information in case it is of any interest to Suffolk Ambassadors:
Vacancy for an Apprentice Process Technician with Essex & Suffolk Water.
Closing Date: 27th May.
We have a vacancy in Suffolk for an Apprentice Process Technician – This is a great opportunity for somebody to come in to Essex & Suffolk Water and learn about water quality and the water treatment process.
It would suit somebody interested in chemistry.
Position Title: Apprentice Process Technician, Reference Number: 0154-3
Please click on the link below if you are interested in finding out more:
Apprentice Technician Suffolk.
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* County Upper School, Bury - Create Sport! Project - until 4th July 2013.
Deadline: asap
County Upper School students have decided to undertake the Create Sport! Project for their Go4SET and CREST Awards. Their challenge is to work in teams to look at creative, innovative but practical ideas for a new sports venue for new or existing sports.
The teams have to come up with a project proposals which they will present at the Go4SET Celebration & Assessment Day in July. There are four stages to the assessment:
1. A model of the project
2. A display stand
3. A five minute presentation & questions
4. A written report
The students will be completing their projects after school on a Thurs afternoon, 3.45-5.15pm.
The school would like to hear from any Ambassadors who could help the students with their ideas for a sport venue, or help them pull their ideas together into a coherent project proposal.
If you are willing and able to help or would like further information, contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Woods Loke Primary School, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft- Science Masterclasses- Saturdays in June-July 2013, 10am-12pm.
Deadline: asap
Woods Loke Primary School are planning a series of Science Masterclasses during the summer term for approximately 20 Key Stage 2 gifted & talented students (aged 7-10yrs) from schools in the Northern (Lowestoft) Area Science Network.
Do you have any suggestions for activities?
They would like to hear from any Ambassadors who have ideas or suggestions for suitable science-related activities that could be developed and run with this group of students. And/or if you can help run activities on any of the Saturday mornings through June and July that would be great as well.
If you are interested and able to help, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Maths Challenge 2013 - 3rd June-12th July 2013.
Deadline: 17th May 2013
Archant Suffolk and Suffolk County Council are running a Maths Challenge with primary schools across Suffolk. Year 3 & 4 students (7-9 year olds) from approx 120 schools will be undertaking six weeks of home/school maths activities linked to the EADT and Ipswich Star daily newspapers.
The project organisers would like Ambassadors to visit one or more schools to talk to children about the importance of maths in the world of work, to generate enthusiasm to the subject and to demonstrate how maths skills are used every day in a whole variety of jobs. It is envisaged that visits will be 30-60minutes and could be undertaken anytime during the six weeks, to suit the needs of the Ambassador and the school.
If you would like to help with this Challenge, or want to know if a school near you is taking part, please email us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Suffolk EBP & Hollow Trees Farm, nr Hadleigh - Food & Farming Day - Wednesday 19th June 2013, 8.30am-3.30pm.
(Breakfast & packed lunch included!)
Deadline: 31st May
Suffolk EBP and Hollow Trees Farm are holding their annual Food & Farming day for Key Stage 3, 4 & 5 students (aged 11 years upwards). The aim of the day is to showcase an industry that is full of both career and learning opportunities and has STEM at its heart.
We would like Ambassadors to come along to help by acting as stewards and taking a group of young people, and their teachers, round Hollow Trees Farm to visit every station, keeping to a schedule.
If you would like more information or to offer your help with this event, please contact Helen Scott-Davies: Helen.scottdavies@suffolkebp.co.uk – copying us in: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Suffolk One, Ipswich - 'A Day in the Life of.....' - Wednesday 19th June 2013, 10am-12pm / 1.15pm-3.45pm.
Suffolk One Sixth Form College is again looking for support for their ‘A Day in the Life of…..’ event in June.
They would Ambassadors to come in the morning with a display to promote their organisation and/or give 3 presentations (25mins each) in the afternoon about themselves and their job role, how they got where they are, the qualifications they have, the skills they have and their experiences and so on.Lunch will be available for those who wish to stay all day.
If you are able to help or would like to find out more, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Needham Market Middle School, Suffolk - Paralympic Buggy challenge - Mon 24th, Tues 25th, Wed 26th, Fri 28th June 2013. (Various sessions available)
Deadline: asap
Needham Market Middle School are running a Paralympic Buggy Challenge, using K’Nex Kits, as part of their whole school activity week. They are looking for two or three Ambassadors to help with teachers run the challenge with groups of approximately 20 students at a time.
Ambassadors will need to be on hand to assist the students with designing their buggies and helping them to understand the variables concerned in making and running the buggy.
There will be 12 sessions during the week at the following times:
Monday 24th – 10.15-11.35am / 11.35am-12.55pm / 1.55-3.15pm
Tuesday 25th – 8.40-9.55am / 10.15-11.35am / 1135.am-12.55pm / 1.55pm-3.15pm
Wednesday 26th – 8.40-9.55am / 10.15-11.35am / 11.35am-12.55pm / 1.55-3.15pm
Friday 28th – 8.40am-9.55am
If you would like to help with one or more of these sessions or would like further information, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Kesgrave High School, Ipswich - BEST Event - Friday 28th June 2013, 9.15am-11.00am or 11.30am-1.00pm.
Kesgrave High School are running a Business, Enterprise, Skills and Training (BEST) Event for their 6th Form students (aged 16yrs+).
The aim of the event is to give students information about a variety of career options, what various roles entail, career progression opportunities and so on. They are particularly keen to find someone who can talk about careers in product design and routes into this.
They would like Ambassadors to run 2 identical 30 minute sessions to 2 different groups of students.
The session could be a lecture type presentation with questions and answers at the end, an interactive session, a mixture of both or any other way that would be appropriate for the particular career focus. Ambassadors could talk about just one specific job or a range of careers available within their industry, but ideally covering:
• Career Pathways ie apprenticeships, university, A levels etc
• Qualifications or skills needed
• Similar jobs or possible future progression
• What an ‘average’ day entails.
A buffet lunch will be provided to those participating in the BEST event ever!
If you would like to help, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Felixstowe Academy - Year 10 Mock Interviews - Thurs 27th June & Tues 2nd July 2013, 8.30am-11.30am.
Deadline: 23 May 2013
Felixstowe Academy are holding two Mock Interview days for their Year 10 students (aged 14-15yrs) and they would like Ambassadors, with some interview or recruitment experience, to help with one or both days.
Each student will attend a 30-minute 1:1 mock interview with an Ambassador.
The school will try to pair the Ambassador’s career sector with student preferences, however Ambassadors may be asked to interview for different career sectors. A pack of information to include questions, job descriptions, possibly CVs, and feedback sheets will be provided.
If you would like further information or to offer your help, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Beyton Middle School, nr Bury St Edmunds - Science/K'Nex Activity - Monday 8th July 2013, 8.45am-3.10pm.
Beyton Middle School has sent in the following request for Ambassadors:
“I would like to see who would be available all day on Monday 8th July to come into school and help with science based construction activities using K’Nex Kits. We will have groups of pupils on a carousel of different activities – 1 of which will be the K’Nex.
The final task / challenge for the pupils could be guided by the specialism of the Ambassadors we are able to attract. The sessions will be 50 minutes long.”
If you would like to offer your help with this event, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham - Careers Development Week - Tuesday 9th July 2013, 9.25am-1.00pm.
Thomas Mills High School are holding a ‘Careers Development Week’ for their Year 12 students (aged 16 Years+) and they would like Ambassadors / Employers to assist them on the Tuesday when they focus on ‘Recruitment & Applications’.
Ambassadors would be asked to go into school and talk to students about their company / experience and how they recruit students post A-level.
Here is a brief outline of how the sessions ran last year as it will be along the same lines:
Session 1: (9.25am-11.05am) Presentation to all students about recruitment, applications, CVs, interviews, careers development etc. 2 representatives from different employment sectors, 40mins each. 20mins Q&A.
Session 2: (11.20am-1.00pm) Small interactive group sessions, 20-30mins each. Students choose sessions according to their interests. Detailed discussion about how companies recruit A-Level students, where jobs are advertised, the application process, what companies are looking for, how candidates can best present themselves etc.
If you would like to help with this event or would like further information, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* The Big Bang Eastern, Duxford - Wednesday 10th July 2013, 8.30am-4.30pm.
Deadline: 9th July 2013
STEM Ambassadors are invited to volunteer at the Big Bang Eastern on 10th July 2013 at The Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
The Big Bang UK Young Scientist & Engineers Fair is the largest celebration of science and engineering for young people in the UK and takes place annually in March. Throughout the year, a series of Big Bang ‘Near Me’ fairs take place and The Big Bang Eastern will be coming to Cambridgeshire in July 2013.
The Big Bang Eastern will host exciting hands on exhibits from local businesses to inspire young people into STEM careers and will also showcase entries from schools for the prestigious National Science & Engineering Competition – where winners will go on to compete nationally at the finals held at The Big Bang Fair the following March.
Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of roles, including: career networker, judge, evaluation assistant and general volunteer.
By signing up to volunteer at The Big Bang Eastern you will have access to an opportunity to help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers as well as the chance to meet like-minded volunteers and hone your science communication skills with young people.
To find out more and to register your interest, visit www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/Eastern or email: volunteers@thebigbangfair.co.uk.
Please remember to let us know if you are assisting with this event via email to: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk.
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* Westbourne Sports College, Ipswich - Careers & Information Fair - Wednesday 16th October 2013, 8.50am-1.30pm.
Deadline: 30th September
Wesbourne Sports College are again looking for Ambassadors to assist with their Careers and Information Fair.
The aim of the event is to provide the students with information on various career and employment options that are available within our region and also provide then with information on the various career routes available.
‘With your continued support and participation in this event, the school is providing our students with an excellent forum from which to gain relevant and practical information and advice from national and local organisations.’
All attendees are invited to set up stands from 8.15am and lunch and refreshments will be provided.
If you would like to offer your assistance for this event, please contact us in the first instance: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk .
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* Enthusing Young People About Energy
The Suffolk Energy Ambassador Programme is being jointly developed by Skills For Energy, Suffolk Education Business Partnership (EBP) and Suffolk County Council.
Energy Ambassadors will be signed up as STEM Ambassadors.
Helen Scott-Davies, EBP Chief Executive said; “The EBP is delighted to support this exciting initiative linking schools and colleges with the energy sector in Suffolk to give added value to the curriculum and an insight into future employment opportunities for young people.” The pilot was officially launched at the recent East of England (EEEGR) conference.
Celia Anderson, Executive Director, Skills for Energy, said: "I think this is a really good opportunity to get the energy industry engaged with schools and inspiring the younger generation in energy careers."
The EBP is keen to hear from anyone who is willing to give up a small amount of time to share their knowledge and passion for all areas of the energy sector with young people through careers talks and energy-related projects.
If you would like more information or would like to put your name forward please contact Ann Cloke: ambassadors@suffolkebp.co.uk / 07768 903392.
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* Work Experience Placements Needed
Here at Suffolk EBP, we manage the database of work experience opportunities available to school pupils aged 14-19 years. We would be interested in hearing from any individuals or companies who would like to offer placements.
Please contact the EBP at: wex@suffolkebp.co.uk for more information.
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Other Information of Interest
Please see below for other opportunities, Information and events that may be of interest to you.
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* STEM Directories
The aim of the STEM Directories is to connect teachers with the wide range of activities in the UK that can help enhance their teaching in science, engineering and maths.
Scheme Providers
Do you run STEM scheme activities? Following improvements to the Department of Education's database systems, they are welcoming new scheme submissions. Click here to find out more and register.
Hard copies of the Directories are no longer being produced, but if you would like to download a copy of any one or all three of the 2008/9 Directories please use the following link.
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* Apprenticeship incentives for Suffolk Businesss
We would like to inform you of a new campaign aimed at helping Suffolk businesses to recruit apprentices. There are 150 sums of £1,500 available, on a first come first served basis. You can apply for a maximum of £15,000.
Did you know?
The £1,500 is in addition to the training costs of the Apprenticeship framework which are met in full for young people aged 16 to 18 Years and 50% for those aged 19 to 24 Years. This incentive can be used to offset around a third of the yearly wage cost for an Apprentice, around £100 a week for a 16-18 year old and National Minimum Wage for anyone older.
Are you eligible?
The apprenticeship incentives are available to all business sectors and we are particularly keen to hear from employers in the Care industry. However, to be eligible for the incentive, you must have fewer than 1000 employees and not have taken on an apprentice in the last 12 months. The funding is available to support apprentices between the ages of 16 and 24 Years.
Interested in finding out more?
The dedicated ‘Apprenticeships in Suffolk’ team is available to help you through the process of recruiting an apprentice and accessing the incentive funding.
If you are interested in applying please contact: 01473 260922 or apprenticeships@suffolk.gov.uk.
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* UKIE Video Games Ambassadors Scheme.
As part of delivering the recommendations of the ‘Next-Gen’ Livingstone-Hope Skills review, UKIE (The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment) is partnering with STEMNET to introduce a new Video Games Ambassadors Scheme as part of the STEM Ambassadors Programme.
The Video Games Ambassadors scheme is being created so that individuals who want to put something back in to the industry can do so easily and with the minimum impact on their time. Video Games Ambassadors will act as role models to young people (aged 5 - 19) who may have never considered video games as a career and encourage students to study the key subjects that are required for a career in the video games industry. They will receive training and STEMNET will keep them updated on local volunteering opportunities available with schools in their local area and that are convenient for them.
The introduction of the Video Games Ambassadors Scheme has been welcomed by Government. The Government’s Plan for Growth states that the focus of STEMNET’s future recruitment of STEM Ambassadors should be on digital and creative industries, and other priority sectors. Creative Industries Minister, Ed Vaizey MP, said that ‘it’s great to see the video games industry taking the lead to unlock the potential of the next generation of games creators.’
Individuals interested in becoming a Video Games Ambassador should visit: www.ukie.org.uk/videogamesambassadors.
More information is also available on the STEMNET website at: http://www.stemnet.org.uk/news/view/1232186.
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* E-Skills UK IT Ambassadors Scheme.
The E-Skills UK IT Ambassadors Scheme is a new role model scheme which is partnering with the STEM Ambassadors Programme. It has been created by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and IT. The aim of IT Ambassadors is specifically to encourage and support IT professionals in engaging in IT education and careers activities.
The scheme fits within the existing STEM Ambassador framework, so:
• Existing technology ambassadors can sign up right away, becoming an e-skills UK IT Ambassador alongside their STEM Ambassador role - please remember to update your profile to show that you are part of the 'e-skills UK IT Ambassadors sheme'.
• New IT Professionals can become e-skills UK IT Ambassadors directly by registering as a STEM Ambassador, taking advantage of the same communications, induction training and CRB checks as other STEM Ambassadors
• e-skills UK IT Ambassadors can access more than 40 resources which have been specially developed to support them in delivering meaningful IT enrichment activities with students. These materials are available on e-skills UK’s IT Ambassadors web area, at www.e-skills.com/itambassadors and can be used in schools (these are also available via the STEMNetworkinf Resource Bank. There are 7 categories of activities available in total, including giving careers talks to schools and supporting a Computer Club for Girls.
If you have any questions about the e-skills UK IT Ambassadors scheme, please contact Charlotte West at e-skills UK directly at: CWest@e-skills.com .
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* Cafe Sci.
This is an initiative inspired by the Cafe Scientifique movement and funded by the Wellcome Trust. It provides students with an opportunity to meet STEM professionals in a more informal environment than a classroom, though usually at a school. As such, it is something teachers may be interested in organising, and something Ambassadors may be interested in participating in.
Cafés are held outside lesson time, usually during lunch or directly after school. Although they are held in school, the last place we want them to be is in a classroom. Speakers aren't encumbered with technology (no microphones or slide-shows allowed), so cafés can be held anywhere: the common room, the library, the cafeteria, maybe even outside - anywhere that feels relaxed and informal.
The format is simple. The scientist speaks for about 10-15 minutes - plenty of time to introduce the topic. Speakers are volunteers from local universities and industry, and range from professors to young PhD students, depending on the topic and their expertise. The one thing that they have in common is that they are passionate about their subject and excited about sharing it with students.
For more information, please visit: http://www.juniorcafesci.org.uk/
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* STEM Ambassador Schemes and Partnerships.
STEMNET partners with several organisations, skills councils and professional institutions to deliver tailored volunteering schemes under the main STEM Ambassadors umbrella.
These include the BT IT STEM Ambassadors, and the Chilled Foods Association. You can join up with most schemes simply by updating your profile.
For more information, and to ensure you are signed up to the best scheme (or schemes!) for you, please visit this page on the database. You may need to log in first, and then go to the information pages at the top of the screen.
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