Primary schools across Hemel Hempstead have united in a scheme to improve learning for their students.
The Hemel Enthuse Partnership with STEM Learning was launched at a gathering at Jupiter Primary School on Monday, September 12.
The partnership sees a group of 20 schools working together over two years, with aims to raise primary school pupils’ aspirations for careers in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths.
As well as the broad goals of increasing interest and understanding in STEM careers, the scheme’s specific aims are to cultivate “children-led science”, which improves students’ ability to work and think independently, develops children’s questioning skills, and improves their ability to work scientifically.
As head science hub lead Mandy Quinton outlined, the goal is to “keep the door open to science as our pupils go into secondary school”.
In a surprise reveal, it was announced that the schools would have access to £50,000 over the two years, as opposed to £20,000 as first thought.
All 20 schools will have free access to STEM ambassadors, and now have more funding available for STEM learning coaching, supply cover, equipment, resources, and room hire for training, among many other things.
Daljit Kaur, STEM regional network lead, encouraged teachers to take advantage of everything on offer, saying: “This is an absolute golden opportunity.”
President of Hemel Rotary Club Roderick Pesch, who grew up in Jupiter Drive where the school is located, was present at the meeting and offered his and the club’s wholehearted support.
He said: “I am a science graduate myself, and it has aided me so much over the course of my career.
“I’m here to help in any way I can. Let’s see what we can achieve together.”
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