According to the judges, Barking and Dagenham College has “holistically and usefully” integrated Stem - science, technology, engineering and maths - across wider curriculum areas.
This has facilitated a series of innovative projects across a range of subject areas and developed a creative and engaging way of teaching and learning. It has also enhanced partnerships among staff, overcoming workforce challenges.
The East London college launched its Stem centre in 2013, and since then has developed a cross-college collaborative Team Teach initiative designed to create an innovative and enriching Stem learning experience for all students.
The college’s commitment to Stem has meant that it has become a compulsory strand of curriculum planning, and is now integrated within other subjects. Assessment opportunities have also been transformed: students can use alternative methods to demonstrate their learning, away from the traditional written assignment and PowerPoint presentation methods.
Approaches have included project-based learning, bringing to life the students’ learning experience and developing essential skills required for employment: skills such as problem-solving, creativity and the use of technology, as well as the ability to work in a team, communicate, take risks and learn independently.
The Stem team work closely with curriculum staff to develop bespoke practical activities and projects that fulfil the learner’s assessment criteria. The challenge is to shift the mindset of teachers away from tradition methods of delivery to ones that will engage and motivate 21st-century learners, and the college runs training sessions using hands-on practical activities.
To see the full list of winners please click here, or follow all the glitz and glamour of the night with the #TesFEawards.
Want to keep up with the latest education news and opinion? Follow Tes FE News on Twitter, like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn