The School:University Partnership Programme boosts opportunities for school students to experience science

September 6, 2016 11:58: am | by Matthew Hills

The School:University Partnership Programme, funded by the RCUK is a collaborative project across the Norwich Research Park. The aim of the project is to raise the profile of research into secondary schools, to provide authentic research opportunities and inspire a future generation to enter a STEM career. Our activities have been many and varied. Highlights have included a series of research case studies and lesson plans written by NRP scientists which have been used to support A-level teaching; Science, Art and Writing (SAW) workshops across a number of schools; a lichen barcoding project-the results of which were written up as a research article; a Year 10 summer school run by PGR students and our amazing radio link with Major Tim Peake on the ISS.

The project has also supported the establishment of the Youth STEMM Award, a major initiative that is gaining momentum across Norfolk and which has the potential to raise aspirations among 13-18 year olds.

The School:University Partnership Initiative is led by Professor Kay Yeoman, School of Biological Sciences UEA and Dr Jenni Rant, The SAW Trust, John Innes Centre