The challenge | Teachers in Kent and Medway did not receive sufficient CPD in STEM subjects and there was a need for schools to engage with each other to share good practice.

The method | To establish a training centre for professional development in Science and improve the STEM experience of students, with a focus on girls. The following initiatives were set up:

  • Numerous STEM events took place, including visiting speakers, competitions, careers fairs and a STEM at work event for Year 9 students at a local university
  • Students were entered for CREST awards and various clubs were set up
  • A primary network was successfully launched to support primary teaching
  • A successful bid to become the lead school for the South East Science Learning Partnership led to funding to deliver CPD for local teachers, working with Canterbury Christchurch University
  • The IoP Gender Equality Programme was successfully implemented
  • Year 13 students were trained as STEM ambassadors to support outreach work
  • Four members of the department completed national STEM CPD Facilitator training

The impact | Over 1,500 CPD days of high-quality Science training have been delivered, including four large conferences and numerous networking events. Student and teacher surveys all highlighted the positive impact increased STEM activities and high-quality CPD have had on developing staff. Retention and recruitment of Science staff has also improved.

Contact | Kevin Frost, Assistant Headteacher kfrost@rmgs.org.uk