Science issues
Reaching the parts other schemes cannot reach
www.scienceyear.com
At the BA Festival of Science in Exeter I chaired a Planet Science session. Speakers described six very different projects intended to benefit young people who often miss out on the enrichment activities on offer. Some interesting lessons emerged.
Audience at the Planet Science eventAll the projects were part of the Planet Science Outreach Programme which has supported a range of activities including working out of doors, video conferencing and internet based programmes, sport-based events and innovation through initial teacher training.
Despite the variety of programmes, a number of general lessons emerges from the session.
- The activities must seem real, authentic and credible to young people - ideally they have an 'edge', and element of risk and present a challenge.
- Programmes must meet the needs of the learners and teachers (customer care), be clear about their focus, not be over ambitious while being easy to adopt.
- Special, appealing technology has a place - this may be high quality ICT or 'classy' equipment.
- Where teachers have a central role it is important that they feel a sense of ownership for the programme and are well supported and prepared.
- To maximise impact it is often important that there has been preparatory work in class and then follow-up activities - so overall there has to be careful planning.
- Newsletters and web sites can sustain the interest of teachers and schools in being involved.
- The sustainability of enrichment programmes is supported by distinctive branding.
- Partnerships and networking are crucial - especially when it comes to getting schools involved.
- Evaluation helps to make programmes more effective and to provide the evidence that they are worth sustaining.
