STEM campaign
Despite good results in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) at GCSE, there is a decline in their take-up at A Level. The government has recently launched a campaign which hopes to see an increase of 20,000 more young people studying these subjects by 2014.
Libby interviews Professor John Holman, Centre Director of the National Science Learning Centre in York. He is the first National STEM Director with responsibility for implementing the STEM Programme Report; and reporter Melissa Viney talked to science graduate, Rebecca Beresford, to find out about the science subjects she studied which led her to her present job in the strategy team for EDF energy..
Science for Mums
Australia’s National University is running a course to teach mothers science so they can help their children with their homework. They learn everything from concepts of DNA to causes of earthquakes. It has become so popular that fathers and grandparents are also keen to join up.
Nicola Fell went to meet them.
RNLI beach awareness for schools
Since 2005 the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s Hit the Surf programme has attracted more than 2,000 children from over 70 schools. It gets them onto the beach so they can take part in lessons in surf skills and beach safety. The course is aimed at children between 8 and 12. This summer’s scheme began in Cornwall last week and will be visiting beaches around the country.
Libby talks to Dave Gorman, the RNLI’s Divisional Beach Safety Manager for the South.
Samaritans campaign for examination stress
It is that time of year again, when the continuous round of GCSE, A levels and AS levels can be overwhelming. The stress can pervade not only school life but family life too. The Samaritans are on hand to offer emotional support and advice to young people who are feeling the pressure.
Libby talks to Tonja Schmidt, Samaritans’ Development Co-ordinator.
Exams Doctor – tips and techniques
Libby asks George Turnbull, a former examiner and now Ofqual’s online ‘exams doctor’, what students can do to improve their chances. He suggests tips like applying the 10 minute rule to help with revision and gives advice on what students can do to improve their chances of success once they are in the exam room.
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