Imperial launches 'Reaching Further' outreach programme.

by

Outreach Activities

Imperial has launched its 'Reaching Further' programme to strengthen links between scientists and teachers.

The programme aims to enhance STEM teaching in schools by providing a link between science researchers and school teachers to introduce current research into schools’ science curriculum and build connections between academic research and primary and secondary teaching.

This new initiative will allow Imperial’s Wohl Reach Out Laboratory, together with its excellent partner schools, to extend inspiring hands-on science teaching to around 33,000 school students in the London.

– Professor Lord Winston

Professor of Science and Society

The scheme builds on the existing work of Imperial’s Wohl Reach Out Laboratory - the Colleges purpose built space for public engagement and reach out activities. It will support a programme of training and professional development for teachers at five hub schools, who will then go on to support other colleagues with the knowledge and skills they acquire. The scheme has been supported by the Greater London Authority’s London Schools Excellence Fund.

Using the network of hub schools, the programme will be delivered to 250 primary and secondary schools across London with a longer term aim to provide STEM enrichment opportunities to 33,000 students in the city.

Imperial’s Professor of Science and Society, Lord Winston said: "This new initiative will allow Imperial’s Wohl Reach Out Laboratory, together with its excellent partner schools, to extend inspiring hands-on science teaching to around 33,000 school students in the London area as well as offering hundreds of science school-teachers an opportunity for professional career development.  This is excellent news for our next generation."

Professor Lord Winston at the opening of William Perkin Academy

Professor Lord Winston at the opening of William Perkin Academy

 

William Perkin Academy is one of the hub schools taking part in the programme. Keir Smith, Associate Head Teacher, said: “Reaching Further provides our school with a fantastic opportunity to both enhance the science curriculum and to bridge the gap for our students between the work they’re doing in school and science at university level. We hope that this will inspire and encourage more of them to pursue STEM subjects at universities such as Imperial and to consider a future career in the sciences.”

Imperial demonstration at the opening of William Perkin Academy

Imperial demonstration at the opening of William Perkin Academy

Caroline Boswell, Head of the Children and Young People’s Unit at the Greater London Authourity, said: “The London Schools Excellent Fund is a key strand of the Mayor’s Education Enquiry.

“Schools in London have seen massive success with achievement levels higher than the rest of the country. We wanted to support teachers and teaching and build partnerships with places like Imperial and that’s what we’re doing with this programme.”

Reporter

Jon Narcross

Jon Narcross
Communications and Public Affairs

Click to expand or contract

Contact details

Email: press.office@imperial.ac.uk
Show all stories by this author

Leave a comment

Your comment may be published, displaying your name as you provide it, unless you request otherwise. Your contact details will never be published.