The fifth regional East Midlands STEM Student Journalist Workshop took place last Thursday 11 February.  Hosted at the Roundhouse, part of Derby College, the half day interactive workshop was led by BBC Business Correspondent Rob Pittam and BBC News Camerawoman Sara Shepherd.  The event was a great success with Rob and Sara giving students an insight into their jobs and the world of journalism.

Later in the day, students enthusiastically took part in a news room simulation activity where they adopted the roles of editors, sub editors and reporters, looking at STEM related press releases on topics such as climate change, developments in sports science, the ‘toyota’ issue in the world of engineering and technological advancements at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, giving students a taste of what it is like to come up with a news agenda and cope with a running story. The day concluded with the opportunity for students to ask Rob and Sara questions.

The workshop was attended by over 60 students, primarily from Derbyshire, but also from Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire. Analysis of the workshop evaluation saw 85% of students rate the day as useful, with 89% finding the sessions run by Rob and Sara interesting and helpful. Rob and Sara said they “enjoyed meeting STEM reporters, being able to pass on tips and share our experiences with the next generation of journalists...."

Students commented on the event saying that it gave them “a valuable insight into the world of journalism”, and teachers attending on the day said they were “impressed by the quality of their students work during the news room simulation activity”.

The forthcoming National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW), 12-21 March, will be an ideal platform for the students who attended the workshop to put their new STEM reporting skills into action and enter the NSEW STEM Student Journalist Competition to win an iPod Nano. For more details click here.   

 

As the end of the year draws closer, the East Midlands STEM Partnership Support Team would like to thank Partners for their continued support.  The Partnership reached its second birthday this year, and to date has come a long way, so far we have…

• Held 5 Forum Events, attended by 446 partners
  
• Recruited 190 STEM Student Journalists
  
• Posted 91 blogs which have received 18 comments and 67 ratings

Latest News… 

• Enriching the STEM Workforce of Tomorrow

The Forum Event at No 1 Nottingham Science Park in November was a great success, 122 delegates attended to listen to presentations from Sir Alan Jones, of Toyota and SEMTA, Kate Bellingham, National STEM Careers Co-ordinator and a host of East Midlands STEM employers, including, Siemens, NHS, 4energy and Easibind. 
If you missed out, presentations and photos can be viewed here.

• STEM Student Journalist Awards 2009

The STEM Student Journalist Award announcement took place this week and the winners are:

1. Best under 16 years Reporter – Liam Mullen, Trinity School, Nottingham
   
2. Best over 16 years Reporter – Kayleigh Lawrence, University of Lincoln  
   
3. Best Educational Institute – English Martyrs School, Leicester

All students who submitted a report has been sent a certificate, and all reports are live on the STEM Student Journalist student section of the website.  Congratulations to all!

2010 dates for your diary…

• STEM Student Journalist Workshop, Thursday 11th February 2010

Venue: Derby College
Time: 9.15am - 1.00pm

The fifth STEM Student Journalist Workshop will be led by BBC Business Correspondent Rob Pittam, and BBC Camera Women Sarah Sheppard at Derby College.  Students will experience hands-on activities to equip them with the necessary skills to become an East Midlands STEM Student Journalist.  Visit http://stembbcmediaworkshop.eventbrite.com/ for further information or to book your place.

• East Midlands STEM Forum Event, Wednesday 3rd March

Venue: 3M, Loughborough
Time: 9.30am – 2.00pm

The sixth East Midlands STEM Partnership Forum Event is hosted by 3M Health Care Limited and will focus on mathematics.  Due to the location of the event, numbers are strictly limited to 75 so places will be booked on a first come, first serve basis.  Visit http://stemforummarch2010.eventbrite.com/ for more information or to book your place.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

East Midlands STEM Support Team