STEM Ambassador Hub Wales case studies

Oldcastle Primary: STEM Weeks 2015 – 2017

Context and Overview

Oldcastle Primary School is situated in the centre of the industrial town of Bridgend. 440 pupils attend from Nursery to Yr 6. The school is a 'pioneer' school working with the Welsh Government and other schools to forward developments relating to the curriculum and other professional learning.

Oldcastle's stated mission is to Inspire Motivate and Educate.

"In 2013 the school identified that science and associated STEM subjects had a lower profile and that pupil performance at the expected level and above was lower than expected. Leaders and staff decided that, if we wanted great technologists, scientists and mathematicians, then we needed to review provision and approaches, in order to ensure that it supported all learners in developing a love of these subjects."
Jeremy Malessa-Thompsom, Headteacher

STEM Ambassadors first became involved with the school when a parent (Jacqui Murray) became a STEM Ambassador. Jacqui sat down with Jeremy and identified the importance of the school taking opportunities through the STEM Ambassador Programme to support their science initiatives.

In 2015 Jeremy asked Jacqui if she could run a STEM Week in November. Together they worked on a week with an exciting spectrum of science engagement through STEM Ambassador sessions, visits to interesting local STEM employers, Science Centre visits, and associated science experiences which also included cross curricular creativity and arts. All based around each year's syllabus.

Sourcing of STEM Ambassador visits and visits to companies was achieved via requests to the STEM Ambassador Coordinator Sian Ashton. Ongoing contact with the hub developed and increased for STEM Weeks 2016 and 2017.

The outcomes of these initiatives led to the school being accredited by Estyn Inspection report for: "Delivering good practice – by working with businesses and universities to develop a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) week that has improved pupils' aspirations and attainment."

Impact on young people

All year groups at the school are offered STEM engagement sessions in STEM Week.

Site visits include (have included): Aberthaw Power Station (KS2); Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Yr3), Cardiff Museum Geology Department (Yr 2); International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT), Rhoose Airport; Spectrum Technologies and Viridor Waste Management. These visits were organised by STEM Ambassadors employed at the companies.

STEM Ambassador visits in school included: Astronomy Mark Smith; Design and Build with Engineer Dr Alun Armstrong; Chemistry Sian Ashton; Electrical Engineering Jon Laver; DNA and the Brain (Cardiff University Neuroscience), Arup Civil Engineers workshops and Aerodynamics Luke Griffiths (Aston Martin)

Applications of STEM in the real world were not confined to conventional themes, but extended to baking, Virtual Reality, and Marine life. The school also takes part in the feeder Primary Day at Bryntirion Comprehensive School in February.

Pupils are guided in writing thank you letters to each STEM Ambassador, developing literacy skills as well as a useful way of recapping the learning that took place during the week.

"Children loved the variety of sessions that were offered and it was satisfying to see children enjoying learning in a stimulating environment."
Jeremy Malessa-Thompsom, Headteacher

• "I wish I could do chemistry in school every day…I felt like a real scientist, thank you so much for visiting 5ER"
   Isabella Year 5
• "It really felt like the whole class were real scientists"
  Ben Year 6
• "…Finally in the future I will be a great scientist because of you"
  Kyle Year 5
• 'Now I know all this information I will share it with everyone who needs help … I am inspired to be a scientist"
  Ella Year 6

Impact on teachers / leaders

Following the successful launch in 2015 under the leadership of Jacqui Murray, the school has now taken the major part in organising STEM week. This has been achieved through a robust handover of responsibility.

Contact with the STEM Ambassador coordinator is now mainly through the STEM teaching staff. In 2017, teachers also delivered one of the previous year's science talks – how the brain works – as the Cognitive Psychologist couldn't attend. Demonstrating how this approach makes STEM in primary schools more accessible for staff and children.

"Thank you so much for attending our STEM week yesterday. The pupils had a fantastic time. Thank you for the hard work you put into organising and delivering your sessions. I hope we can work together again next year on STEM 2018."
Teacher Katie Lincoln

"We have been fortunate to have many visitors to school this week and we are so grateful to everyone that has given up their time to develop our children's knowledge of STEM subjects.

"In particular we are grateful to Mrs Jacqui Murray (who has once again supported the school as STEM Ambassador), Jon Wood, Sarah Wallace, Ella Riley, Clare Davies, Jason Stratchan, Duncan Ludlow, Sian Ashton, Swansea University, Aston Martin, Arup, Asda, John Laver, Greer Hooper, JW & E Morris, Alun Armstrong, Andy Schofield, Vesarian, Mark Smith, and parents that have helped out with trips this week."

"We are also grateful to Mrs Coleman (year 6 teacher and STEM lead) who has worked tirelessly to ensure STEM week has been a great success and everything has run smoothly."
Jeremy Malessa-Thompsom Headteacher

Impact on schools / organisations

The school has expanded their STEM programme with the creation of a Code Club, which is run for KS2 pupils on a regular basis.

The school is now officially recognised in the Inspection report for best practice in STEM engagement with local employers and STEM professionals.

Estyn Inspection report:
"The school's annual STEM week utilises an extensive range of businesses and professionals, including university science departments, information technology companies and the local sweet shop proprietor, to support curriculum activities and visits. These experiences greatly enhance pupils' understanding of the world of work and aspirations for the future, for example in relation to science, technology and engineering careers."

Impact on STEM Ambassadors

STEM Ambassador Jacqui Murray is a Materials Engineer and currently Interim Director of the Faraday Battery Challenge and Head of Advanced Materials at Innovate UK. She states that the role of STEM Ambassador has impacted positively on her professional life. Her personal innovation with STEM week has resulted in 36 STEM Ambassador interactions at the school over 3 years.

STEM Ambassador Alun Armstrong, nominated as Most Dedicated STEM Ambassador Wales, kindly compiled a report and programme of his sessions. (Available on request). Alun aimed "To deliver an action-packed session demonstrating that STEM subjects are both interesting and exciting".

His programme covered:

• Space exploration
• Measurement
• Maths is fun
• Practical puzzles to take home

Pupils were clearly inspired, writing:

• "Firstly I would like to tell you how thankful I am for teaching me pi (π) and Physics. Now I hope I don't forget your wonderful lesson on Maths and Science."
• "You made me hooked on every word you spoke."
• "During your talk you inspired me to do what I wish as a career choice."
• "I wasn't really into science or space but now I am really looking forward to my next science lesson."

"Many of our guests have already written to us to say what a delight it has been to visit Oldcastle and comment on what amazing pupils and staff we have at Oldcastle."
Jeremy Malessa-Thompsom Headteacher

STEM Ambassadors have also delivered after school sessions for parents such as Astronomy and Nuclear Energy (STEM Ambassador Mark Smith).

Future plans

The success of STEM Week will continue under the guidance of Katie Lincoln (Yr 6 and STEM Lead at the school). There is no doubt that the number and range of activities in STEM week increases year on year

"Science, technology engineering and mathematics have become a core part of the learning at Oldcastle School. Through its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) week, the school works with teachers, university partners, and local and national businesses to help them to bring these related topics alive."

References

• Estyn: http://www.oldcastleprimary.co.uk/estyn-reports/
• Oldcastle Primary: http://www.oldcastleprimary.co.uk
  https://twitter.com/OldcastleSchool
• Barry Today: http://www.barry-today.co.uk/article

Ipsen Biopharm

Context and Overview

Ipsen is a global biopharmaceutical group focused on innovation and Specialty Care. Ipsen also has a well-established and successful Consumer Healthcare business. Ipsen sells more than 20 drugs in over 115 countries, with a direct commercial presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The Group has more than 5,100 employees all over the world. Wrexham is the Ipsen group's Biologics Development & Manufacturing campus, and is the mainstay of the company's neurology franchise.

https://www.ipsen.co.uk/about-us/ipsen-in-uk/north-east-wales/

Almost 400 people are employed at the Wrexham R&D and manufacturing facility. Their STEM activity has had a significant impact on local schools. Based on the border of the industrial NE Wales and Rural Powys they are now key to STEM activity in the region and fill a major gap for activities in Biology and Chemistry. 20 Employees are Ambassadors, with continual recruitment initiatives to increase numbers. Rapid expansion of STEM activity has now delivered 70 activities by the team ~ 100 volunteering hours. Connecting to Secondary Schools became a priority, to promote careers at Ipsen from technician to graduate level.

"Wouldn't it be refreshing if every job candidate was knocking down the door to work for Ipsen? A team of STEM Ambassadors at Ipsen Wrexham site is doing something about it! This team has set about branding Ipsen on a personal level whilst helping to tackle the STEM skills gap"
STEM Ambassador Kevin Owen Aseptic Scientist

Impact on young people

Since the inception of their STEM activities the connection with secondary school pupils in particular has made a significant impact. Based on an industrial site like many STEM employers it does not operate in a visible location. Access to the labs must be secure, therefore the opportunity to engage with this workforce either in school or at the site is highly prized.

Secondary School students who have experienced Ipsen STEM Ambassadors, are now much better informed of the wide STEM skills base at IPSEN. The site is planning expansion and has a vital need to profile the range of careers on offer with the right STEM qualification. They also wish to develop staff skills through engagement activities.

Site experience events are arranged for KS4 and 5 students. A well organised schedule, mini bus transport supported by Ipsen. After a site tour of the labs the group are taken through Microbiology, Cell Biology, Mass Spec, HPLC. A buffet lunch is followed by lab practical's and a QC tour.

This is a unique opportunity for students to see Chemistry and Biology in real workplace applications. This is often stated by pupils to be the most enthusing aspect of these subjects.

Impact on teachers / leaders

STEM Ambassadors first developed 'Applications of Biology in the Real World' for Welshpool High School in response to a teacher request. A practical challenge using equipment and PPE was developed to simulate 'Clean Room Technology'.

Prior to delivery the leading STEM Ambassadors held thorough discussions with Head of Biology Dave Bass on curriculum and logistical aspects of the workshop.

Success travelled through teacher networks resulting in visits to schools across Mid Powys and Wrexham. Ambassador Kevin Owen then developed a microbiology workshop for Primary Schools. They are now also investigating Nuffield Science Bursary placements for A level students. Ipsen then produced flyers for Secondary Schools offering a spectrum of engagement opportunity, and a flyer for Careers events and school support offers.

"Massive thanks to Kevin and team for the STEM activity. Year 10s found it very enjoyable, several commented that it has made them think differently about science careers. The enthusiasm displayed by Ipsen (Ambassadors) was infectious. The activity so well planned and resourced – I couldn't believe it was their first trip to a classroom."
Dave Bass Head of Biology Welshpool

Impact on schools / organisations

Filling a gap with quality engagement for biology and chemistry teachers and pupils. Many pupils made aware of opportunities that biology and chemistry provide outside medical or allied medical careers. Recruitment to manufacturing is challenging.

In the past 2 years IPSEN have engaged with over 500 secondary pupils and increasing reach connecting with primary schools. This has been achieved through the novel workshop 'Good Bugs – Bad Bugs' introducing primary pupils to microbiology.

Further schools have been keen to be part of the Ipsen experience.

"We have been asked by the Maelor secondary school to host a year 12 IPSEN site visit and a school visit to their year 10 pupils. This is a first event for us with the Maelor school It seems Dave Bass of Welshpool gave such a glowing recommendation to them in a meeting that they now want us for similar events! Great news for the pupils and for us to spread the word about the roles of professional scientists in the Pharma world"
STEM Ambassador Kevin Owen, Aseptic Scientist

Ipsen are consistent supporters of Careers events, both in Wales and further into Cheshire. They are clearly a well-prepared team as they are consistently recommended for these by organisations.

Attending careers events has really given the STEM Ambassadors the opportunity to share job opportunities with students and allows them to realise that nothing is impossible and they can do it if they set their minds to it.

"Ipsen Biopharm have supported a number of careers events in schools in Wrexham from mock interviews to employability/careers fairs and have provided interesting and informative sessions, establishing a rapport with a range of groups of young people, of different ages and abilities. Their staff have always shown a flexible, responsive attitude to delivering our learning outcomes. Careers Wales appreciate the time, effort and commitment Ipsen has shown to young people in our schools."
Lesley Lloyd Business Engagement Adviser Careers Wales

Impact on STEM Ambassadors

A key factor in achieving success has been the ongoing support and passion of the lead contacts Angela White Qualified Person and Kevin Owen Aseptic Process Scientist. To have such leadership in a STEM Ambassador team has proved entirely effective. They are also keen to maximise opportunities for all team members.

Having taken their first group of 8 staff through induction and initial activity they have now expanded, increased outreach activity and have been inspired to extend their reach. IPSEN are excellent at offering feedback, continuous improvement of activities and working to understand the needs and interests of each local school and year group. They have worked to fulfil a 'toolkit' approach to their inspiring outreach.

Articles have been posted in the IPSEN LinkedIn and intranet websites to showcase and highlight the Ambassador team and encourage a company-wide approach. http://www.ipsen.ltd.uk

"Benefits to Ipsen in branding and talent are obvious. What wasn't envisaged was how rewarding the STEM Ambassador role would be."
STEM Ambassador Angela White

"When you see the passion and enthusiasm in a student's face you know that you've made a difference – incredibly motivating and fulfilling."
STEM Ambassador Kevin Owen

IPSEN committed many hours to researching and producing a STEM workshop "Applications of biology in the real world" which addressed KS4 biology pupils. They had many discussions with teacher Dave Bass at Welshpool to ensure the activity has the 'right fit' for his class. Without being trained on methodology of pedagogy they quickly assimilated the concepts and having trialled the activity went on to improve and review impact then tailored based on feedback taking the activity to a very different profile of pupil at a small school Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion.

The additional challenge was delivering at a bilingual Welsh medium school in English, liaising with the teacher to ensure that the word and language level was familiar with pupils and the facilities at the school could accommodate their laboratory equipment.

This enabled both parties to manage expectations and has been repeated for each new STEM activity developed

The success and rapid rise in STEM engagement was recognised at the annual STEM Inspiration Awards 2017 when Ipsen reached the final 3 nominated in the category 'STEM Employer – large company'.

Future plans

Adding to their portfolio of STEM activities, the team has put forwarded proposals investing in technology resources for an 'Automation' workshop. This will be tailored for careers events and open days at site. Using Lego Mindstorms and incorporating Raspberry Pi.

Students are given a user requirement with a functionality specification. They then build the project. Starting from a simple traffic light build, it will advance to a 'sorter' build to simulate Engineering Automation in a Pharmaceutical environment. The tasks set will include elements of qualification and documentation.

The presentation was forwarded to the STEM Ambassador coordinator and impact summarised:

This activity:

• Demonstrates automation, engineering and other concepts using recognisable products
• Children can access the products and learn at home
• Both proposals can be expanded to create a library of projects and exercises

"Our STEM Ambassadors are committed to providing students with real life career examples."
STEM Ambassador Angela White QP

Executive Summary

IPSEN has successfully negotiated the work / volunteer landscapes that serve to strengthen our bond with the local community, this is in part due to the wholehearted commitment of IPSEN's senior management team – all the way to the Chairman of the organisation. This is complemented by the amazing fortitude and passion displayed by all our mature and budding STEM ambassadors on site.

Our vision is to give back to our next generation of Scientists and engineers the spark that we felt as we embarked on our own careers. We need to inspire these students to achieve and surpass their potential and build on something truly Inspirational.

STEM feels like performing baby steps at times for us as a company – at times both exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure as you stand under the watchful gaze of a 14 year old…! But we can only imagine and wonder at the difference we make to those pupils and how vitally important it is to them in their formative years.

Indeed, we are fortunate and humbled in investing in the most wonderful talent in the World – our next generation. They will achieve things that we can only dream of. Proud to be part of the journey.

STEM Ambassadors Angela White and Kevin Owen

Reference: http://www.ipsen.com/

DVLA STEM Ambassadors

Context and overview

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is a government organisation, an executive agency of the Department of Transport. From its Headquarters in Swansea it is responsible for maintaining a database of 45 million driver and 39 million vehicle records. www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-licensing-agency

In 2014 the Technology Department made contact with the STEM Ambassador Hub Wales in order to recruit and deploy a team of STEM Ambassadors to support Coding and IT education in local Primary Schools. Led by Mark Jones, Head of Cyber Security Testing at DVLA and Karen Pitt Business IT Coordination Manager, the aim was to recruit from a wide range of IT specialists and administrative staff, in order to effectively deliver and maintain Code Club support.

The team aims to drive recruitment of IT specialists and raise the awareness of a wide STEM skills base at the DVLA workforce and departments. Young people and public perception of work at the DVLA is not well understood due to high security on site and little previous awareness of the scope of their work.

Starting from a team of 8 STEM Ambassadors, the team is now 30 STEM Ambassadors strong and growing, all actively deployed in school or community support.

Working in partnership with Code Club regional officers the STEM Ambassador Coordinator has supported DVLA STEM Ambassadors in extending the ambitions of the programme, not only to run Code Clubs in local Primary Schools but also to attend the British Science Festival, Swansea Science Festival, Super Science Saturdays and related events. The team is self motivated making contacts and supporting initiatives with community groups such as library code club meetings.

In May 2015 they hosted a major celebration of their work with local schools. VIP guests attended from the Local Authority and the DVLA senior management. Schools showcased the work of pupils, teachers and STEM Ambassadors with teams displaying their programming skills.

The culmination of a highly successful strategy of STEM engagement, was realised in 2017 with the DVLA Code Challenge http://dvlacodechallenge.dvla.gov.uk

Initiated, produced and directed by STEM Ambassadors Mark Jones and Karen Pitt in March 2017, this Wales Wide Competition was open to all Primary Schools and Community Groups. The team of 27 DVLA STEM Ambassadors were all involved in the event, a professionally managed and high energy day hosted by BBC Wales presenter Lucy Owen.

Judges included Oliver Morley CEO DVLA, Swansea City Council Economy and Strategy Leader Rob Stewart, Professor Faron Moller of Technocamps and Sian Ashton STEM Ambassador Coordinator Wales.

Pupil teams selected one of 4 themes to produce and code an animation game for young people. Themes were curriculum linked (environment) or addressed current social topics (anti-bullying).

• Over 60 Schools across Wales entered the competition.
• Over 180 children and 150 Adults attended the finals on the 28th November.
• Over 1700 people joined the live link across Wales to watch the event.
• Over 600 votes cast for the entries on the day

The competition offered prizes for IT equipment.

Results

• 1st: £3,000  Usk Church in Wales Primary School (Mentored by STEM Ambassador James Osborne)
• 2nd: £2,000  Our Lady and St Michael Primary School
• 3rd: £1,000  Ysgol Y Berllan Deg
• Runners Up: £750 Newton Primary School and Gwyrosydd Primary School
• Best Competition Video: Ysgol Bro Gwydir

17 Schools won Lego Mindstorm EV3 Kits, Raspberry Pis and BBC Micro: bits

Twitter feed: #DVLACodeChallenge

Impact on young people

Pupils at KS2 level have benefitted most from the technology support with Code Club. In addition to this the DVLA team extended their reach developing bespoke STEM stands for the British Science Festival Swansea 2016. The popularity of their interactive stand resulted in attendance at Superscience Saturdays, and the Swansea Science Festival attended by 9000 visitors.
http://www.swansea.ac.uk/swanseasciencefestival/

Indeed the stand had to be moved to a larger area in order to accommodate the young participants. Attending these events offers families the chance to engage with the DVLA informally and for STEM Ambassadors the chance to take part in weekend events.

Impact on teachers / leaders

The introduction of Coding and IT skills is a hard task for primary teachers. Most do not have confidence in the teaching of Coding and often the technology available varies from school to school.

Support visits in setting up the Code Club, advising on appropriate IT equipment, training the teachers to maintain the Code club have been essential.

Teachers can progress their teaching of IT and coding at a faster rate.

Mrs. Eldridge very emotional after receiving gifts for the school on behalf of Ysgol Melin Grufydd 
#DVLACodeChallenge

Impact on schools / organisations

Schools and organisations have been supportive not only in statements but in the case of organisations have donated monies, equipment and resources for schools. Sponsors of the Code Challenge include BT, Mobilise, Mulbauer, Water to Go and DMSG."

The local Police constabulary, Fire Service, Armed Forces and Incredible Oceans http://www.incredibleoceans.org attended the Challenge finals with displays and interactive equipment. This has widened the partnership with IT companies and local employers.

"Once again it was a fantastic event @DVLAgovuk and we were proud to be part of it! Well done to all the prize winners and hope you continue on your coding journey which will influence Welsh IT for years to come!"
Victoria Wood, Digital DMSG      

"The future is Digital and Wales needs to work hard to build a technology knowledge based economy. Organisations such as Code Club and STEM Ambassadors help encourage children at a young age embrace coding in a fun way that will hopefully encourage them to pursue education and later work in the technology sphere."
James Carnie, Mobilise

"Road Safety Wales has been delighted to partner with the DVLA for the Wales National Coding Challenge for 7 to 11 year olds, in association with Code Club and the STEM Ambassador Hub Wales. The challenge enabled pupils to develop their problem solving, communication and teamwork skills as well as improving their knowledge of computer programming in a fun and innovative way, with the opportunity to win amazing prizes and funding for IT equipment for their schools."
Road Safety Wales

The provision of technical expertise and equipment for schools with low levels of funding for IT has greatly enhanced the pupils and teachers learning experience.

Already the equipment won at the Challenge finals has been put to imaginative use across many year groups at schools. Lego Mindstorms have been most popular, creating and debugging codes:

"Lego coding is going well. Independent codes have been created and debugging is happening." 
Usk Primary https://twitter.com/UskPrimary

"Super proud of our coders and STEM ambassadors. We were runners up in the DVLA Code Challenge.winning £750 for the school and ICT prizes."
Gwyrosydd School Year 5 teacher

Impact on STEM Ambassadors

DVLA work in high security locations, with few opportunities to profile their work in an informal or educational environment. Steered by Mark Jones and Karen Pitt the team has grown to 30 STEM Ambassadors with a thriving programme of high quality engagement.

They have offered the team a wide range of opportunities from on-going Code Club support, to public events and also supported requests such as Mock Interviews, Careers Talks for More Able and Talented college students and Virtual Reality public displays. They have also attended local library events.

20% of the STEM Ambassador team are Advance Apprenticeship level, 50% degree level, 10% Doctorate and 20% Apprenticeship level.

This offers a wide career path profile for pupils to meet. DVLA STEM Ambassadors were recognised in Wales Awards, winning Employer STEM Club support, Most Dedicated STEM Ambassador South Wales, & nominees for the National STEM Inspiration Awards.

Future plans

The success and impact of their STEM Ambassador initiative is now to extend to Secondary School level, most likely as a transition project for KS3. KS2 will remain a focus as this is the initial age group for embedding Computer Science education. They have also been authorised to run the DVLA Code challenge in 2018 and to include a Secondary School element in the competition.

The progress since 2014 has been exponential, evidenced by a very active twitter profile for the DVLA Code challenge final #DVLACodeChallenge

"It's important that as employers we actively support the development of IT skills in schools and communities, from grassroots early education upwards. DVLA really is an Agency that is actively engaged in encouraging technologists of all ages. We provide opportunities for those with digital skills and talent to deliver our services now and in the future."
DVLA Head of Cyber Security Testing and STEM Ambassador Mark Jones

Sea Cadets

Context and Overview

STEM Ambassador Carl Mason is a Senior TV Camera Operator at the BBC. Carl is also a Senior Pilot CPO Royal Navy (fixed wing). His main STEM activity is as Course Mentor for Sea Cadet Corps community groups, taking pupils on sessions that includes navigation and metrology in addition to flight training. The report covers the Silver and Gold Wings training.

Carl (3rd from right in photo), is based in Swansea and registered with STEM Ambassador Hub Wales. The Aviation training for Sea Cadets takes place in Lee on Solent Portsmouth.

As Senior Pilot CPO (SCC) Carl Mason flies 16 hours during the week of training. Sea Cadets cover aviation and navigation as part of the course. These topics include a range of STEM related topics such as maths and metrology. Advanced Routes are navigated in good weather.

The week involves a great deal of revision particularly on the core subjects for the week: principles of flight, meteorology, engineering, radio telephony and navigation. Carl takes an active role in these tuition sessions as well as practical flight experience.

Impact on young people

Sea Cadets aims to give young people a different experience to school. Learning takes place through experiential programmes, many outdoors but there are strong curricular links with STEM subjects such as maths and engineering.

There is an emphasis on core skills such as teamwork, personal development and interpersonal communication with other cadets. This allows young people to make friends outside a classroom or social media environment,

Lieutenant (SCC) Pether awards those Sea Cadets who gain the Gold Wings their 'Wings' at a parade, which includes an award for the highest performance.

Several pupils attending the course have applied to join the Apprenticeships for H M Forces or applied for courses at University in order to pursue careers in this field.

There is a good attention to diversity, several Cadets are female and achieve Cadet 'Wings'.

Sea Cadets take a written exam on the last day, bringing together all they learn during the week. Verbal assessments are also required. These theory and verbal assessments are confidence building, also giving practical interview experience for the Cadets.

Using a Grob 109 motor glider, cadets are familiarised with the aircraft and gain confidence using the aircraft's radio to talk to the air ground service at Lee on Solent and the air traffic controllers at Southampton while navigating.

An added bonus in 2016 was the viewing of 3 Spitfire jets that were being used in the film 'Dunkirk'. This visit illustrated the advances in technology and the importance of Engineering as applied in the Armed Forces skills base.

"2016–17 has been the best year so far for the Sea Cadet Aviation programme. A highlight was having a member of the team join the Royal Navy as an aircrew officer and this shows the superb opportunities we offer and allows our cadets to broaden their horizons and open up doors for exciting careers."
Lieutenant (SCC) Mark Pether

Impact on STEM Ambassadors

Carl is a continual supporter of the Sea Cadets training, using his STEM expertise to deliver sessions which include mathematics in aviation in addition to his pilot qualifications.

He has presented talks at Teacher CPD and networking meetings illustrating how practical STEM activities can enhance and inspire pupils with a positive attitude to a subject often perceived as 'hard' or 'boring'.

Carl volunteers his time as a STEM Ambassador to "help teenagers develop the skills and approach to life that will launch them into independence" (sea-cadets.org)

References

• Sea Cadets: https://www.sea-cadets.org
• Silver and Gold Wings week: http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/the-sea-cadet-aviation-advanced-flying-course

Skanska UK: providing a taste of Engineering 2013 – 2017

Context and Overview

STEM Ambassador Christina Kio is a Senior Design Engineer at Skanska UK Ltd. Christina graduated from Swansea University with a Masters in Civil Engineering and joined the STEM Ambassador Programme in 2013. Motivated by an experience in school, which inspired her career path into Engineering, Christina's aim was to provide a similar experience for young people in Wales through her STEM Ambassador role.

Christina's school in London had taken pupils to a 'Women in Engineering' course at Queen Marys University – this was a day of hands on activities run by Engineers in a University setting. It was a key moment in her school life that introduced her to Engineering.

In 2013 Christina set out to gain funding to replicate this event in South Wales. Funded by the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, A Taste of Engineering has been a successful formula for the past 4 years. Piloted in Cardiff School of Engineering in 2013, it is now run at Swansea University Bay Campus with continuous improvement of the delivery following careful analysis of teacher and pupil feedback.

It is an annual event offered to Year 9 pupils free of charge to schools. Christina also included a stipulation that at least 30% of pupils must be female from each school. She is keen to address the need to improve female Engineer recruitment.

Working with the STEM Ambassador Coordinator Sian Ashton (Wales) schools are contacted with the offer of places for 20 pupils. The event is always fully booked with 100 pupils attending from up to 6 schools. The STEM Ambassador Coordinator also sources STEM Ambassadors to assist with the practical activities. Christina has assistance from her fellow STEM Ambassadors at the IMechE to prepare and resource the activities.

Lunch is provided and the programme includes a tour of the Engineering facilities at Swansea University.

Impact on young people

STEM Ambassadors divide pupils into teams, each team member selected from a different school. This encourages pupils to develop team skills and work at the challenge as a team.

Teams rotate around selection of practical activities: for example:

• Wind Turbine construction
• Roller Coaster build
• Speed Boat build
• Pylon Construction

New activities are added each year with favourites being retained.

STEM Ambassadors supervise the teams and advise teams on ideas and problem solving. They also take part in a careers Q & A session at the end of the day.

Teams are awarded prizes covering many aspects of employability skills such as 'best team work' 'best planning' 'best build' 'best problem solving' so pupils understand that winning a 'first place' can be achieved through a variety of skills.

One of the funding criteria is to use an Impact Toolkit for evaluation. Data is divided into male and female pupil responses. Questions are formulated for ' before and after' analysis. Six impacts are addressed:

• Affect
• Knowledge
• Skills
• Understanding / context
• Values
• Disposition

Before the event only 9% pupils intended to look at Engineering as a Career. This rose to 47% after the event.

Pupil feedback

Each activity was evaluated – with the Roller Coaster being most popular – a clear indication that the relevance to the teenage group of this activity was especially effective.

• "The best thing about the day was meeting new people, seeing others work and understanding different types of Engineering"
• "It's Revolutionary!"
• "I want to get somewhere in life and engineering needs women"

Impact on teachers

Teacher feedback is evaluated after the event. Many of the teachers commenting that they would love to run this at their school but for 80% time, planning and resources would be a constraint. They are therefore prepared to travel distances up to 50 miles to attend.

Teacher comments 2017:

• "Keep up the good work" "Loved the uni tour" "Best part was seeing of use uni equipment" " A Very good idea to mix pupils."
  Llandovery College, St Joseph's RC School, Croesyceiliog School and Pontarddulais Comprehensive School
• "If I ran this event in the classroom it would not have the same effect as with the STEM Ambassadors – I see pupils excited to be involved today."
  Mr Sutton Morriston Comprehensive School

Teachers all agreed that the event was age appropriate and the venue perfect. 100% wanted to attend if the event was run in 2018. Many schools are regular attendees finding that it has a positive impact on pupils learning. Teachers from D & T, Physics and Maths Departments are most keen to bring pupils.

Impact on schools

The popularity of the event is evident. In 2017 schools travelled from over 50 miles to attend. 25 Schools have taken part in a Taste of Engineering and 400 pupils. Schools have commented that one of the most significant factors is the venue being in a University. Year 9 pupils being offered the chance to experience this environment is appealing.

Teachers have commented that meeting STEM professionals at the event raises the awareness of diversity both with gender and academic routes into Engineering. Several talks are given at the start of the event by Advanced Apprentices.

Impact on STEM Ambassadors

Christina has led a diverse team of STEM Ambassador Engineers through these annual events. It has provided STEM Ambassadors representing various industries to work together on multi school project. STEM Ambassador Rosie Jay works closely with Christina to organise the event. Rosie is now in Caerphilly Council as a Contract Supervisor. As a Civil Engineer graduate of Swansea University. Rosie has added a valuable role model presence to the event.

Rosie is featured on the University Website as a successful graduate working in industry

http://www.swansea.ac.uk/engineering-assets/engineering-ug

"The engineering department was fantastic, there was always someone around to help when it was needed and the lecture topics were varied and interesting."
STEM Ambassador Rosie Jay

For those not involved in planning the day it has offered a well prepared activity and a good venue to meet a range of schools and colleges.

"This fun filled day is helping to inspire the next generation of Engineers."
STEM Ambassador Christina Kio

Since 2014, 60 STEM Ambassadors have participated in or helped organise the events.

Included in the team is STEM Ambassador Balneeshe Surdhar. Balneeshe is now leading the team of Engineers Without Borders at Cardiff University. This is a volunteer team of student STEM Ambassadors who deliver Primary School activities. The experience at A Taste of Engineering helps to prepare for complex planning of outreach activities for up to 15 schools.

Impact on employers

Swansea and Cardiff Universities have offered their facilities free of charge for these engagement days. They assist in raising the profile of the Universities Departments of Engineering.

The Engineering Education Grant Scheme have awarded funding for the event over the past 4 years having supported Christina's application for the full grant amount. This support has secured monies for the consumables and lunch provision for pupils, teachers and STEM Ambassadors. It is clear that this funding would not have been realised without proof of impact in the evaluation reports.

"The funders of the Engineering Education Grant Scheme monitor the impact of the educational activities that we support. This helps us determine the reach of our funded activities and understand the profile of the individuals, groups and schools engaging in activities. It also assists with reporting to our members, trustees and other organisations on the range and impact of our educational activities."
Engineering Education Grant Scheme Criteria

Future plans

The Engineering STEM Ambassadors aim that funding will be secured for 2018.

It is the intention of the STEM Ambassador lead organisers to successfully hand over the responsibility for the event to new key contacts. This will ensure that a legacy is in place for the event to continue. Christina's volunteering time as a STEM Ambassador is limited due to heavy demands as a professional Engineer. She is also an active member of the ICE Bridges to Schools presenter team. Bringing a new generation of STEM Ambassadors into A Taste of Engineering will be a great achievement to guarantee an enduring project in the STEM calendar for schools.