For those of you with an interest in the national STEM agenda, this recently published document (www.slcs.ac.uk/stemframework) describes the current state of the STEM programme. It has been produced as a follow-up to the STEM Partnership conference held at the Royal Society in May 2008.
The Framework details eleven Action Programmes (APs) with lead organisations which have been established to deliver co-ordinated activity to create impact for teachers and students. The 11 APs include the 10 schemes set down in chapter 7 of the Sainsbury Review to address the education of a new generation of scientists and engineers. The additional AP is to improve the recruitment of teachers and lecturers in shortage subjects.
As many of you know, there is now great emphasis on STEM in Government strategy as outlined in the various documents listed below.
This is of particular relevance to the next STEM Partnership forum event in November which will look at how activities in the East Midlands fit with the national agenda.
Related documents:
STEM Programme Report, DfES/DTI,'06
Science & Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014,HM Treasury,'04
Science & Innovation Investment Framework 2004-2014: Next Steps,'06
Sainsbury Review: The Race to the Top,'07
Implementing “The Race to the Top”, DIUS, '08
Cathy Brown, Regional Director, STEMNET