STEM Programme

The STEM programme aims to capture the imagination of young people who have the potential to become the scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians of the future. The STEM programme seeks to ensure that STEM support is delivered in the most effective way to every learner, school, college and learning provider.

To achieve this, a number of educational objectives have been identified:

• to improve the quality of science teachers and lecturers
• to increase the number of learners obtaining good science GCSE results
• to boost the numbers of learners choosing science, engineering and technology subjects in post-16 and higher education
• to encourage STEM qualified students to pursue research and development careers
• to raise the proportion of minority ethnic people and women participants taking STEM subjects in higher education

In addition, the STEM programme promotes enrichment activities for learners in areas such as:

• careers advice
• extra-curriculum activities such as clubs, booster classes etc
• links with employers and work experience campaigns, gender and ethnic minority
• STEM focused activities
• The provision of direct bursaries and inducements in STEM subject areas.