STEM Learning and Spaceport Cornwall have teamed up for a new ENTHUSE Partnership which will help inspire hundreds of young STEM (Science, Technology, Maths, Engineering) stars of the future.
The UK will soon become the first country in western Europe to launch an orbital satellite from its own soil – and the Spaceport, which is based in Newquay, is making its final preparations for launch. So, the timing is ideal to launch the Partnership which will benefit around 50 schools and colleges across Cornwall. They will work with STEM education experts to build relationships with STEM employers and other schools across Cornwall over the next two years.
The partnership will improve teachers’ access to intensive, fully funded CPD and help schools and young people access space-themed resources and activities. This includes enrichment activities and competitions from The European Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) which is part of STEM Learning, and funded by the UK Space Agency and European Space Agency. Schools will also enjoy visits from inspirational STEM Ambassadors who work in the space sector.
Dave Pollard, Outreach and Education Manager at Spaceport Cornwall, said: “We are so excited to be working with STEM Learning on this project. Cornwall will be home to the first launch of a rocket and satellite into space from the UK, and this will inspire many young people across the county and country into having an interest in space skills and STEM more generally.
“This project will ensure that the educators teaching these students have the right levels of knowledge and expertise to help develop these skills, and ensure that they achieve their full potential.”
David Barton, Executive Officer of Cornwall’s Association of Secondary Headteachers, said: “Skills development for our young people and ongoing professional development for our school staff are both extremely important, and this project has the potential to contribute powerfully to both. Schools are aspirational for all their young people, and the opportunity to engage in a project of this nature is exciting and inspirational for us all.”
Tom Lyons, STEM Enrichment Lead, said: “We hope that this ENTHUSE Partnership will enable more young people in the south west to learn about the growing space industry on their doorstep, and be inspired to pursue STEM related careers in the future.”
Mark Ebden, STEM Learning’s regional network lead for the south west, said: “This partnership is a huge opportunity for the county's schools, and I'm personally massively excited to be involved.
“I see it as a key component in helping to plug a skills gap and in ensuring that the future of the space industry has a Cornish flavour. In years to come, when we look at the pipeline of new recruits into the space sector, I believe we will clearly see its impact."
Find out how ENTHUSE Partnerships help schools and colleges.
Find out how ENTHUSE Partnerships help employers.
For schools in Cornwall who would like to register your interest please visit https://bit.ly/3PBf0S9
Expressions of interest must be received by the 30th of September. Any schools not successful in their application will receive access to digital resources to support STEM learning.