Dear Ambassadors

With the Festive Season coming we have an early Gift for STEM Ambassadors: the STEM Ambassador App. More information is below.

News this term has been especially busy with many community events such as the Swansea Science Festival, Half Term activities at Margam Castle, the Conwy Fest and many others. Widening access for family groups enables us to reach beyond the classroom and engage with parents and guardians, important influences in young peoples’ lives.

However schools and teachers continue to be our largest source of requests, via the website, app, my local news and your own employer or contacts I hope everyone will have opportunities that meet their needs. Remember every activity is of value to your profile so please get in touch if you need help updating your important records!

Sian 

 

CONTENTS

News
 

STEM Ambassador opportunities
 


 
 

LATEST STEM NEWS
 


Announcing the new STEM Ambassador App

The aim is to find activities near you and contact teachers on the go.

The STEM Ambassador App makes it even easier to find nearby volunteering opportunities. Notifications and the ‘Add to calendar’ button allow you to easily keep track of your activities. You can express an interest and contact organisers instantly through in-app messaging, plus leave feedback once the activity is complete.

Available on both Android and iOS. Search for "STEM Ambassador".

Once the app is installed you will need to sign in with a DBS approved STEM Ambassador account.

Current features:

  • Search for STEM volunteering opportunities near your current location with the interactive map

  • Sign up easily using the ‘Express interest’ button

  • Plan your activity by chatting to the activity organiser with the in-app messaging service

Renewing your DBS certificate

STEM Ambassadors are reminded that your DBS certificate must be current in order to cover your activities. Ambassadors are locked out of their profiles if a DBS expires. It is accessible when it is renewed.
Notices are sent out for renewals, but you are welcome  to  contact me here if you require a new DBS in the next 3 months.
Guidance will be provided. 


STEM Inspiration award winning Technician Steve Pickles


This year he was on the winners podium! Steve Pickles was shortlisted for this award in 2018, aspiring to be one place better Steve was nominated again this year and accompanied by Simon Biggs Education Outreach Manager at Renishaw Miskin, we were delighted he achieved the first place.
Steve left school at 16 and joined the Apprentice Programme at Renishaw. He studied at Bridgend College for his BTEC qualification. Steve devotes many hours to his STEM Ambassador role through mentoring EESW projects to workshops at the FDC centre Miskin and community group sessions.
His accredited skills in the role have always received great feedback from teachers and colleagues. For many Apprentices at Renishaw he has illuminated a path and acted as a superb role model which many aspire to emulate.
Now looking forward to his winner’s prize of a trip to CERN!

As a special bonus Dragon LNG Pembrokeshire was shortlisted in the category ‘Innovation in STEM Inspiration’. As a major employer in West Wales Dragon LNG have been a leading light in school and community support. Together with the Darwin Centre they offer

  • FREE, hands-on STEM outdoor activities for all junior schools
  • Inspirational scientists to interact with secondary school pupils
  • Supports Science Aglow competitions for schools, STEM events and activities for young people outside mainstream education

Conwy Food Fest with STEM on the Menu!
 

The Royal Society of Biology hosted a stand demonstrating plants through seed to germination and growth. They had the same at the Abergavenny Food Festival with STEM Ambassador support, impressed and grateful they hoped for help at the Fest.
Visitors had a chance to pot their own plants with hands on engagement. Following a request several STEM Ambassadors took part and helped the RSB deliver a very full day of engagement.
Phillipa Skett of the RSB sent a warm message of thanks

‘A huge thank you this weekend for volunteering with us at Conwy Feast.
 We had an amazing time, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves!
 It was lovely to meet you all and Raghav and I had a great time getting to know you all throughout the weekend.
 We spoke to approximately 700 people across the two days, and potted probably thousands of seeds in the process’.
Philipa Skett RSB


Conwy Fest is a community celebration of food, music, arts, crafts and now STEM!

Wild Wood day at Porth Primary




STEM Ambassador Kevin Perry supported a ‘Wild Wood Day’ at his local primary school. A bushcraft / environmental investigation event Kevin joined the pupils in an outdoor exploration of their local woodland. 
Pupils build animal hides, dens, discovered varities of trees and plans and how the ecosystem of woodlands operates.

‘Thank you for the opportunity to support your 'Wild Wood' theme as a STEM Ambassador. I found the trip very well organised and a fun way of learning for the children. I am all for practical ways of learning as I know how much more information is retained by physical activities. The children were very well mannered and how the teachers encouraged the children was lovely to see. I can see why some of the children love coming to school.’
Kevin Perry Logistics AR & M Engineer BMT Defences Ltd

‘Kevin,
Thank you very much on behalf of all the staff and children involved in our visit to Bushcraft Adventures, for your support with a very successful learning experience.
The children have been enthused by the outdoor practical activities which has allowed them to be fully engaged in our Wild Wood theme.
Your help on the day of our trip was much appreciated and our school would be very grateful for any further support you could give us with future STEM activities.’
Elaine Thomas
 

Sandfields Primary STEM in a Castle Day
 
 

Sandfields Primary enjoyed a wide spectrum of STEM Activities on their own special day at Margam Castle.
8 Different Employers attended delivering superb sessions – a total of 14 STEM Ambassadors presented mini workshops.

Pictured are the CGI team Bridgend led by Ambassadors Dan Deane,  well represented, with an amazing table of robots for children to programme.
Pupils were rotated in small groups of 6 to each activity. This arrangement allowed pupils more individual attention and STEM Ambassadors a better quality of interaction and control over the session.
Topics included: SureChill Thermal Flow, Making a Lemon Fruit Battery, Lego learning kits, Pfizers ‘From Molecule to medicine’ workshop, DVLA Coding programmes, CGI Robots, Magnets and Mechanics.  

Teacher Rachael Webbe was absolutely delighted with the response of her Year 5 pupils – learning outcomes were high and pupils thoroughly engaged throughout.
Racheal commented that pupils had thanked her for choosing them for ‘the best day trip ever’!

STEM Ambassadors also commented on the exemplary behaviour and politeness of pupils. A very successful formula to be repeated soon we hope!
 

Swansea Science Festival – making Waves at the Waterfront Museum
 

Swansea University in partnership with the National Waterfront Museum ran a very successful family weekend on 27 – 28 October.
The event offers 40 Interactive exhibits, many delivered and prepared by STEM Ambassadors. 
Several talks and break out space activities take place – including a marvellous session on Brilliant and Bizarre Birds with STEM Ambassador Dan Rouse.
Despite a quiet start on Sunday Morning (on account of a small tournament in Japan!) the afternoon was full and very busy. Over 2000 family visitors attend and many STEM Ambassadors support both days.
Having a great time I met the DVLA, Love a Maggott with Dr Yamni Nigram, National Museum Wales Cardiff, Energy Safety Research Institute, Maths Activities and Diamond Dust Robot Katt.

Look out for more STEM Science Fests in the coming months!
 
 

STEM Ambassador opportunities

STEM Ambassador opportunities can be found by signing into your STEM Ambassador profile at www.stem.org.uk
Through your profile you can search for activities by postcode.  
You can express interest and send a message to the organiser if desired.
​​​​​​​

Digital Mentors for Youth workers 


UK Youth, a national charity commitment to empowering young people, are looking for digital savvy STEM Ambassadors to mentor to youth workers so that they have the confidence to use technology in their youth work.

 This is part of their Generation Code Accelerator programme, delivered in partnership with Microsoft, which aims to equip young people with the basic digital skills needed in today’s society. Topics which youth workers might need support include: Online safety and security, coding, digital marking, web/app design and IT support. This project runs from December 2019 to June 2020, with training on Friday 6th December 2019 and minimum commitment of 4 hours per month. Ability to travel is desirable (expenses covered) but support can also be provided remotely.
 

CF Postcodes
 

STEM on Stage Science festival
The Dramatic Heart of Wales
22 and 23 February 2020
The Orangery
Margam Country Park,
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ 

The Orangery at Margam Country Park will be the venue for a new Science Festival 

This will be a family weekend hosted for the first time in the Borough of Neath – Port Talbot 

We invite STEM Ambassadors and employers to attend with a showcase of stands, exhibits and hands on experience.

 If you would like to be part of this exciting new initiative please let me know

Packed lunch and drinks provided for exhibitors each day
 

STEM Ambassador programme Windsor Clive Primary 
Windsor Clive Primary School,
Grand Avenue,
Cardiff,
CF5 4HX

Teacher Kerry is planing a programme of STEM and seeking STEM Ambassadors! Please could you assist:
Year 3: spring or summer term There are two year 3 classes for maths and art workshop (parents may be included)
Year 4: summer term. There are 2 year 4 classes who would like anything on blood, bones and gory bits (again it would be great to get parents involved).
Reception (spring) 2 classes to talk about science of bees AND vet nurse in (nursery would love the vet nurse in too).
Year 6 spring term would love someone in to talk about flight engineering
Year 5 molecule to medicine in spring term with 2 Yr 5 classes, but something with parents could be good too.

Engineers support Bishop of Llandaff January 30 9.30am - 12.30pm
Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales High School,
Rookwood Close,
Cardiff,
CF5 2NR


The school are running a day based on the 'ICE Challenge' run at St Fagans last month. Year 8 will be off timetable on the day and will work in groups to complete a ‘Design, Build and Present a Water Tower competition’

The year group will be split in to six classes and the school were hoping for an Engineer to be in each class for a while to talk about who they are, their job and education/engineering training and support the pupils with their ideas.
 

Senedd event for Eco Schools 
Thursday May 14th 10am - 3pm
Cardiff CF99 1NA


The event is seeking STEM Ambassador speakers to deliver short talks and discussions on how their industry is assisting the environment with eco projects.
The talk could include how schools can help the environment.

A second request is a workshop on the environment for 50 pupils (recycling, reduce, reuse)
 

St Martins School Careers Fair 17 December 
Hillside,
Caerphilly,
CF83 1UW 
Two events during the days: you can choose both or either one: 1.30pm - 2.40pm 3 x 20 minute sessions on science in your workplace (roles, qualifications, career routes (for 6th form pupils) 2.40pm - 3.30pm Open forum for yr 11 students selecting to study A level Contact will be Michele Govier Careers advisor
 

Our Diverse World - STEM week 9 – 13 March 

Butetown,
Cardiff,
Cardiff,
CF10 5BS 

Teacher Nigel Pritchard needs an inspirational, motivational speaker to launch STEM week with an assembly for our year 1 - 6 children on the topic of 'Our Diverse World'. 

We'd also like to have some ambassadors to run some sort of workshops with pupils. 
In both areas, we are very much open and willing to plan our week according to the expertise of the STEM ambassadors.
 

Maritime Roadshow for Girls – Swansea 30 January
National Waterfront Museum,
Oystermouth Road,
Swansea,
SA1 3RD 
 

  • STEM Ambassadors will be key to the success of the day. There are a number of roles to help support the activities.
  •  Supporting the girls to try the hands-on, STEM based activities and workshops 
  •  Taking part in a ‘speed-dating’ style networking session. The girls will have pre-prepared questions to ask you about your background, current STEM role and future aspirations. 
  • You will call upon your career pathway and training to engage the students and showcase the different pathways towards a STEM career within the Maritime sector.
  •  Assisting with the Skills and Growth Mindset workshops vGeneral event support

Careers Fayre Bassaleg School 30 January 3.30pm - 6pm

Newport,
NP10 8NF 

The event will be open to Year 9, Year 11 and 6th Form students and will run from approximately 3.30pm until 6.00pm STEM Ambassadors keenly sought to support with insight into their career paths and work
 

SA Postcodes
 

STEM on Stage Science festival
The Dramatic Heart of Wales
22 and 23 February 2020
The Orangery
Margam Country Park,
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ 

The Orangery at Margam Country Park will be the venue for a new Science Festival 

This will be a family weekend hosted for the first time in the Borough of Neath – Port Talbot 

We invite STEM Ambassadors and employers to attend with a showcase of stands, exhibits and hands on experience.

 If you would like to be part of this exciting new initiative please let me know
Packed lunch and drinks provided for exhibitors each day
Cefn Hengoed Year 9  Engineering Options talk 15 January 
Cefn Hengoed Community School,
Caldicot Road,
Swansea,
SA1 7HX

The school have a Year 9 Options Assembly on January 15th 8:45am – 9:45am for 160 students.
They are seeking an Engineer (ICE) to give a 20 minute presentation on their career journey highlighting the routes in to the industry.

Bishop Gore World of Work Carousel 12 February 
Bishop Gore Comprehensive
De La Beche Road,
Swansea,
SA2 9AP 

 
The school are  holding a World of Work Carousel on Wednesday 12th February 2020 9:00am – 3:00pm.

The event consists of 5 one hour sessions
 
The purpose is to highlight the opportunities to young people within your industry and the different routes in as a way of helping students when they are considering their GCSE options.

 
STEM days 2nd and 3rd July Ysgol Brombil
Margam,
Neath Port Talbot,
SA13 2AN 

Head of Science Melony Brown is seeking STEM Ambassadors. Year 9 pupils find it hard to link subjects to career topics. Pupils will attend from 2pm - 3pm each day to hear from a variety of STEM Ambassadors on their chosen career paths.
 

Science week sessions at Casllwchwr Primary FLEXIBLE DATES to Summer
Castle Street,
Swansea,
SA4 6TU 

Teacher Angharad Williams is seeking STEM Ambassador who could assist with a session on any topic related to 'Our Diverse Planet' Any day during Science Week can be selected Dates can be accommodated to suit your schedule Any practical demo or hands on activity would be great
 

Maritime Roadshow for Girls – Swansea 30 January
National Waterfront Museum,
Oystermouth Road,
Swansea,
SA1 3RD 
 

  • STEM Ambassadors will be key to the success of the day. There are a number of roles to help support the activities.
  •  Supporting the girls to try the hands-on, STEM based activities and workshops 
  •  Taking part in a ‘speed-dating’ style networking session. The girls will have pre-prepared questions to ask you about your background, current STEM role and future aspirations. 
  • You will call upon your career pathway and training to engage the students and showcase the different pathways towards a STEM career within the Maritime sector.
  •  Assisting with the Skills and Growth Mindset workshops vGeneral event support

STEM Week sessions 9 – 13 March 2020 Terrace Road Primary
Terrace Road,
Swansea,
SA1 6JD 

Teacher Nicola Tucker is seeking STEM Ambassadors for an exciting programme during STEM week
 Ideas are wide and all proposals will be welcome 
Presentations o Workshops or STEM employee stands 
Meet and Greet 
Inspirational talks 
STEM challenges 
Read a book / Story time 
Parent Workshops
 
 

Cardiff Science Festival 15 -18 February 2020 - any date during the week

The Festival will run from 15th - 18th Feb 2020 and will take place in various venues around Cardiff over those days.
Venues include the Shopping Centres, University, Hotels and Inns 
STEM Ambassadors will be welcome to join in a variety of roles Any date will be open to you
 
 

STEM Ambassador programme Windsor Clive Spring – Summer flexible dates
Grand Avenue,
Cardiff,
CF5 4HX 


Teacher Kerry is planing a programme of STEM and seeking STEM Ambassadors! 

Please could you assist: 
Year 3: spring or summer term Maths and Art workshop (parents may be included)
 Year 4: summer term. blood, bones and gory bits (again it would be great to get parents involved). 
Reception (spring) 2 classes to talk about science of bees 
Reception / Nursery Animals or Veterinary care
Year 6 spring term flight engineering 
Year 5 molecule to medicine in spring term (something with parents could be good too)

 

Science Week session Nant Y Parc Primary ANY DAY 10 – 14 February 2020
Nant Y Parc Primary School,
Commercial Street,
Caerphilly,
CF83 4GY 

Teacher Luke Smalley is running a Science Week and wants his request to be top of the list for next year! 
He is seeking a range of STEM sessions for any of the Year groups ages 5 – 11yrs 
 

NP Postcodes 
 

STEM on Stage Science festival
The Dramatic Heart of Wales
22 and 23 February 2020
The Orangery
Margam Country Park,
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ 

The Orangery at Margam Country Park will be the venue for a new Science Festival 

This will be a family weekend hosted for the first time in the Borough of Neath – Port Talbot 

We invite STEM Ambassadors and employers to attend with a showcase of stands, exhibits and hands on experience.

 If you would like to be part of this exciting new initiative please let me know

Packed lunch and drinks provided for exhibitors each day
 

Tomorrows Engineers Energy Quest 
14 January 
St. Johns on the Hill School,
Castleford Hill,
Chepstow,
NP16 7LE

 
  • Energy Quest is a fun and engaging programme designed to inspire young people in the fields of engineering and science, whilst simultaneously developing their knowledge of energy and environmental topics.
  • Targeted towards Year 8 and 9 students (age 12-14), the programme provides careers information to help students with their future subject options
  • The main role for a volunteer is to work alongside both the staff member delivering the in-school workshop and the students, providing enthusiastic support and guidance to the students while they complete the engineering focused tasks. 

Careers Fayre Bassaleg School 30 January 3.30pm – 6.00pm

Newport,
NP10 8NF 

The event will be open to Year 9, Year 11 and 6th Form students and will run from approximately 3.30pm until 6.00pm STEM Ambassadors keenly sought to support with insight into their career paths and work
 

Cardiff Science Festival 15 -18 February 2020 - any date during the week

The Festival will run from 15th - 18th Feb 2020 and will take place in various venues around Cardiff over those days.
Venues include the Shopping Centres, University, Hotels and Inns 
STEM Ambassadors will be welcome to join in a variety of roles Any date will be open to you
 
 

Science Week session Nant Y Parc Primary ANY DAY 10 – 14 February 2020
Nant Y Parc Primary School,
Commercial Street,
Caerphilly,
CF83 4GY 

Teacher Luke Smalley is running a Science Week and wants his request to be top of the list for next year! 
He is seeking a range of STEM sessions for any of the Year groups ages 5 – 11yrs 

 

King Henry V111 Careers Fair 6 February

Old Hereford Road,
Abergavenny,
Powys,
NP7 6EP 
Ambassadors and employers are invited to interact with young students displaying a varied range of career paths. You are welcome to attend at a stand or take part as an individual with informal discussions on career path
 

Engineer of the Month talk: 5 Welsh Valleys Engineering Project
Merthyr Tydfil College,
Merthyr Tydfil,
CF48 1AR 

5 Primary Schools in Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent would like to invite two STEM Ambassadors each month from January 2020 to each of our schools for an “Engineers of the Month’ assembly. (30 MINUTES) 

STEM Ambassadors would bring with them something that they use daily in their work (or, if they work on a computer all day, something that is associated with the field of engineering that they work in). 
We would then ask the pupils to ask questions to try to guess the STEM Ambassadors’ line of work. Once they have guessed, we’d love it if the STEM Ambassadors could give some background to what they do each day/how they got where they are/what they love about their job/why they would recommend it to the pupils, and anything else they feel may be relevant to give pupils a better idea of engineering.

 

What's inside my body?
Blackwood,
Caerphilly,
NP12 3ST 

Our spring term topic is 'What's inside our bodies?'  Teacher Pamela Davies-Box would like class to be introduced to all of the organs of the body and their functions during the term. STEM Ambassadors to undertake some practical activities to engage the pupils.
 

STEM Activity Day 3 February

Clytha Primary School,
Bryngwyn Road,
Newport,
NP20 4JT 

Rebecca Sanderson is ruuning STEM workshops In the morning, students will be working in teams to complete a series of practical engineering and innovation challenges.
They are  looking for ambassadors to support teams as they work together, and to provide a short (10 min max) careers presentation principally focussing on the cool and exciting things you have been a part of during your career.
 

STEM Ambassador programme Windsor Clive Spring – Summer flexible dates
Grand Avenue,
Cardiff,
CF5 4HX 


Teacher Kerry is planing a programme of STEM and seeking STEM Ambassadors! 

Please could you assist: 
Year 3: spring or summer term Maths and Art workshop (parents may be included)
 Year 4: summer term. blood, bones and gory bits (again it would be great to get parents involved). 
Reception (spring) 2 classes to talk about science of bees 
Reception / Nursery Animals or Veterinary care
Year 6 spring term flight engineering 
Year 5 molecule to medicine in spring term (something with parents could be good too)

 

Science Week session
Usk Primary 
Monmouthshire
NP15 1BS 

  • A request for STEM Ambassador support during Science Week: Foundation Phase Topic will be: 'This and That' so is pretty open-ended.

  • Could be looking at light and dark, opposites, materials, anything really.

  • KS2 Topic will be: 'Medicines and Machines'.

Engineer of the Month talk: 5 Welsh Valleys Engineering Project
Merthyr Tydfil College,
Merthyr Tydfil,
CF48 1AR 

5 Primary Schools in Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent would like to invite two STEM Ambassadors each month from January 2020 to each of our schools for an “Engineers of the Month’ assembly. (30 MINUTES) 

STEM Ambassadors would bring with them something that they use daily in their work (or, if they work on a computer all day, something that is associated with the field of engineering that they work in). 
We would then ask the pupils to ask questions to try to guess the STEM Ambassadors’ line of work. Once they have guessed, we’d love it if the STEM Ambassadors could give some background to what they do each day/how they got where they are/what they love about their job/why they would recommend it to the pupils, and anything else they feel may be relevant to give pupils a better idea of engineering.

 

LL Postcodes 
 

STEM on Stage Science festival
The Dramatic Heart of Wales
22 and 23 February 2020
The Orangery
Margam Country Park,
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ 

The Orangery at Margam Country Park will be the venue for a new Science Festival 

This will be a family weekend hosted for the first time in the Borough of Neath – Port Talbot 

We invite STEM Ambassadors and employers to attend with a showcase of stands, exhibits and hands on experience.

 If you would like to be part of this exciting new initiative please let me know

Packed lunch and drinks provided for exhibitors each day
Robotics Challenge at Saint Asaph 29/01/19
Judges Required
Saint Asaph,
LL17 

Darren Kimberyly is requesting Ambassadors to review one or more of the different elements of the competition:

 • A speed challenge • The robot challenge • Robot design • Assessing presentations • Delivering and assessing a teamwork challenge for the regional competition 

As a reviewer you will provide encouragement, guidance and positive feedback to the students whilst ensuring that they find their solutions themselves. 
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers that encourage the students and help the day to run smoothly: • Ability to communicate and interact positively with young people. 
 
Health is Wealth: 17 or 19 December 

Ysgol David Hughes,
Pentraeth Road,
Menai Bridge,
LL59 5SS 

Tanya Jones is seeking STEM Ambassadors either 17th or 19th December to deliver a short talk on Healthy living or on your career path in any area related to health and wellbeing
 

STEM sessions any topic: Ysgol Pencarnisiog FLEXIBLE DATES Welsh or English medium
Ty Croes,
LL63 5RY 
Teacher Lance is seeking stimulating STEM sessions on any topic for his pupils. Any year group ages 5 - 11 would be optional. Welsh or English medium sessions optional
 

"Teaching Trees" North Wales woodland visits support: Many dates and locations available


Across North Wales the Division of the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), is an educational charity that aims at "inspiring passion and excellence in woodland management". They offer Teaching-Trees-type visits to local forests. The local forest management host these at one or more locations, and they could pay for coaches.

 What they can't do is actually run the visits they don't have qualified teaching staff, or people with DBS certificates. 

STEM Ambassadors would be welcome to take part to assist the experience, my contact is Christine Cahalan Secretary.
 

SY Postcdes

Ceredigion Careers Festival 2020 8:45am until 2pm. 10th March
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3DE
Aberystwyth,
SY23 3DE

Pupils from Years 9 to 13 in Ceredigion will be invited, up to 1000 pupils are expected to attend. Once again, the aim of the event is to provide pupils, teachers and parents with an interactive insight into the vast range of career opportunities available, as well as raising their awareness of the different pathways that can be taken after school.
 

STEM on Stage Science festival
The Dramatic Heart of Wales
22 and 23 February 2020
The Orangery
Margam Country Park,
Port Talbot,
SA13 2TJ 

The Orangery at Margam Country Park will be the venue for a new Science Festival 

This will be a family weekend hosted for the first time in the Borough of Neath – Port Talbot 

We invite STEM Ambassadors and employers to attend with a showcase of stands, exhibits and hands on experience.

 If you would like to be part of this exciting new initiative please let me know
Packed lunch and drinks provided for exhibitors each day