Beyond the Classroom

Programme Outline

1. Science at Work

All around the country there are Science at Work exhibitions organised by the national network of Science and Technology Regional Organisations (SATROs; NISTRO in Northern Ireland). They aim to show pupils and teachers how companies apply the science taught in school. This exhibition at the Liverpool Maritime Museum, specifically targeted primary schools. During a half-day visit, Year 6 children attended four presentations by local companies.

2. Industry Visits

Visits to local companies provide opportunities for children to explore the application of science more directly. To help children make sense of the complex environment, planning and preparation are essential. Here, before Year 6 children visit a chemical company to investigate cooling methods, Joy Pavin of the Chemical Industry Education Centre (CIEC) at the University of York, relates the visit to the children's previous work.

3. Hands-on Science Centres

Throughout the country hands-on science centres offer fascinating opportunities to develop children's understanding of scientific principles. Catering for primary and secondary students, they provide a range of resources beyond those available in most schools. In the programme, Key Stage 2 children explore exhibits at Techniquest in Cardiff, guided by specially prepared Trail Cards, and Year 11 take part in a Theme Day on sports science.

4. Pupil Workshops

Workshops offered by higher education institutions and other organisations are another external resource available to schools. This example at the SCOPE centre at Sheffield Hallam University, focuses on the key skills behind research and investigation. Year 6 pupils work through a forensic investigation at a 'murder scene' with the help of science teachers and Year 7 pupils from local secondary schools.

5. Teacher Placements

The Teacher Placement Service provides opportunities for teachers to benefit from spending time beyond the classroom. Organised locally for primary and secondary school teachers by the national network of Education Business Partnerships (EBPs), placements can lead to a variety of outcomes. During their placements in Orb Electrical Steels, the secondary school physics teachers in the programme developed specialist equipment and materials to support their teaching of electromagnetism.