Welcome to the LSIS STEM Programme

What is STEM?

STEM stands for:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics

STEM includes these key individual subjects as well as the STEM-based skills needed in a wide range of subjects across the learning and skills sector, from numeracy to construction.

Why is STEM important?

The government’s STEM agenda aims to:

• provide employers with the workforce that has the skills they need
• help to maintain the UK’s global competitiveness
• make the UK a world leader in STEM-based research and development.

By engaging effectively with STEM you can increase the opportunities open to your learners.

How can the LSIS STEM Programme help you?

The LSIS STEM Programme delivers unique support for the learning and skills sector, working with managers and teachers in all settings – colleges, work-based learning, prison units, adult education and many more.

• Networks and events
  Both subject-specific and STEM-focused regional networks and national events for teachers and managers allow you to explore practices and approaches that can make a difference in your organisation. Use the calendar to find events that will support you.
• Subject Learning Coaches
  The LSIS STEM Programme builds on the proven successes of the Subject Learning Coach Programme.
• Resources for your CPD
  We have some inspiring ideas for your continuing professional development.
• Funding for Action Research projects
  Information about funding to help you collaborate with peers and other institutions to transform aspects of STEM teaching and learning.
• National and regional STEM team
  A team of subject specialists and regional managers can help you get the best out of the STEM Programme.
• STEM resources by practitioners for practitioners
  In STEM resources by practitioners for practitioners, you will find a wealth of resources to enhance your teaching and help you to support your learners. The resources are wide-ranging and include many game-based activities to encourage collaborative learning, activities that can be used as topic starters or group ice breakers and activities to encourage group work and discussion.
  Click on the links below to start using the two sets of resources collected in 2009 and 2010.
  2009 resources
  2010 resources
• Resources for Managers
  Resources to support Managers of STEM provision in the learning and skills sector
• Knowledge Transfer
  A handbook to support individual providers and organisations in the understanding of local and regional STEM employer needs and the development of dual professionalism and up to date content and teaching.
• Leading Mathematics in the Learning and Skills Sector
  The Leading Mathematics in the Learning and Skills Sector resource is for anyone in the learning and skills sector who has a leadership role in mathematics or numeracy, or is interested in having such a role.
  It will also be invaluable to those who are organising and supporting CPD for colleagues who have an interest in mathematics.
• Mathematical Moments
  Are you looking for short professional development sessions written around activities which you might use in your teaching? Then have a look at Mathematical Moments.
• Thinking Through Mathematics
  Thinking Through Mathematics is a professional development package, designed as an online version of the Maths4LIfe resource Thinking Through Mathematics. It will take you through a professional development programme, introducing you to the strategies and approaches that lie at the heart of the Thinking Through Mathematics resource. It has been designed for anyone who teaches courses involving mathematics (including numeracy and Functional Mathematics) from Entry level through to Level 2.
  
  These resources are examples of outputs from the LSIS STEM Programme’s extended reach projects; they have been produced by managers and practitioners. The contents should not be compared with commercially produced resources, although in many cases they may have comparable or better learning outcomes.