Winner: 2023 Team Prize for Excellence in Secondary and Further Education
Cumbernauld Academy STEM Club
Cumbernauld Academy
For the development of creative STEM activities for learners of all ages and abilities, and the development of staff to support learners in a variety of settings.
The Cumbernauld Academy STEM Club supports staff working in early years establishments to engage the youngest children with exciting opportunities in STEM. The team also supports those with complex educational needs and those with significant anxieties. Through their planning and support, the Club has made science accessible in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
Biography
The Cumbernauld Academy STEM Club provides an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment for students to explore all things STEM.
There is a genuine enthusiasm for the joy of science and the opportunities it affords young people regardless of their background.
Cumbernauld Academy STEM Club
Q&A
How would you describe the nature of the team in a single sentence?
The Cumbernauld Academy STEM Club provides an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment to explore all things STEM.
Please provide a brief statement what winning this Prize means for your team
The team receiving this award feel that teamwork has been key to the success and it is really all about the young people's engagement in STEM. The recognition the prize gives to the young people involved and to the wider school is humbling. The fact the RSC recognises the importance of inclusion in science with this award is significant (Mark Cairns, Headteacher).
What would be your advice to educators who are working with colleagues going above and beyond, but are yet to nominate them for an RSC Education prize?
The RSC recognises, in a highly significant way, all work above and beyond. Every institution that has people thinking creatively and inclusively should consider nominating staff for an RSC prize.
How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?
James became interested at St Margaret's High School in Airdrie as did Joanne. In those days, the introduction to science came at secondary school.
Who or what inspires you?
Jim - The joy in children's faces when they get a project to work is truly inspirational.
Joanne - The children's thirst for knowledge and the enjoyment of science.
What motivates you?
The opportunity to enhance someone's education in a supportive, inclusive environment. Having the facilities to encourage and share science for all.
What are the qualities that make your team special?
The team has considerable experience and many skills developed over a number of years. There is a genuine enthusiasm for the joy of science and the opportunities it affords young people regardless of their background. There is an understanding of the importance of leadership, even amongst the students. All of this is based around a value base of science for all.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
Use the opportunity to enjoy and explore chemistry as it exists in so many ways in the real world.
Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?
We have invited Skyrora, a local company who are developing small satellites, to be launched from a base in Scotland. This is a local development that the young people and the staff are now really excited about. This was a previously unknown development locally and we are really keen to get involved with them.
Why is chemistry important?
ÀË»¨Ö±²¥ is all around us and is key to all scientific disciplines, and there is a vast range of careers that are founded on chemistry.
What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?
Receiving this honour from the RSC is a personal honour after 39 years in education to date. With 34 years of service in education, I am pleased that the good work carried out by technicians has been highlighted by this award.
What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?
Balancing home life and work life for mums can be a challenge, but with the understanding of Jim at work has made the teamwork and bond even tighter. Gaining confidence through my work to be able to deepen my understanding of science, to deepen the understanding of others.
How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?
Examples such as water sanitisation and food production rely heavily on chemical sciences to ensure that the basic needs of the poorest can be met.
How can good science education support solving global challenges?
Science is the answer to climate change by helping young people have an empirical understanding of the issues devoid of political or financial influence. Thereby provoking young people to look for genuine workable solutions to the problems.
Why do you think teamwork is important in science?
Different people excel at different things, and teamwork allows people to share their expertise and develop new skills. Bringing talents and ideas together makes anything possible.
For a bit of fun, what is your favourite element?
Carbon because it is the basis of the most enjoyable part of chemistry - organic.
Helium - because it gives her a laugh!