Review of The STEM Series DVD
Title: Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) – DVD Publishers: CAREERS4u.tv Price: £59.50 + VAT The recent Education White Paper states in paragraphs 4.25 and 4.26: “a strong national base of technological and scientific skills is essential to growth and employers continue to report shortages of these skills. This deficit will be tackled by providing support to increase the number of specialist teachers in physics, chemistry and mathematics and to improve the skills of existing teachers.” Inspired by the Government’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative, Careers4u.tv have produced a DVD holding 10 brief clips featuring a wide range of careers where a knowledge of STEM is essential. The interviews include a wildlife expert, a snowboard designer, an aircraft manufacturer, a conservation scientist, an auditor and many more. This resource provides a valuable insight into the world of work with current up-to-date information provided through ‘quick-fire’ interviews with young people following STEM-related careers. It will provide a very useful addition to any teacher’s resource bank. Each clip could be extended by pausing between the questions (these appear on the screen to keep the conversation flowing) to ensure that the key points are captured, as it really shows the diversity of STEM-related careers as the young people are interviewed in their workplace. The video clips are between 4-6 minutes in length and cover personal skills, qualifications and the various pathways that each person has followed, for example through an apprenticeship or going to university after A-levels. The progression opportunities show the breadth of career possible and go a good way to challenging stereotypes. They can support the delivery of the curriculum, either as subject-specific material or as part of the PSHE/CEG/WRL curriculum for key stages 3, 4 and 5, as the accompanying notes suggest. Single page notes provide the teacher with an overview of the clip and highlight the key points for the students to learn. The interviews could be used in small group work sessions as an introduction to a particular career pathway; in an assembly prior to an outside visitor attending to provide a talk; or in one-to-one sessions. Alternatively, schools may wish to use them as part of an Apprenticeship/Enterprise week or during tutorial sessions as part of the options process at the appropriate key transition stage. This resource is thought-provoking and will certainly stimulate discussion and be an inspiration to the students. Other STEM-related clips are also available on: aceglinks.org.uk/174-12Reviewer: Kath Wright
Visit ACEG site Back to Testimonials