Midlothian embarks upon RAiSE investment

Donna Hanley has joined the national RAiSE network of PSDOs. RAiSE (Raising Aspirations in Science Education) is a programme featuring The Wood Foundation, Scottish Government, Education Scotland, and local authorities which empowers primary practitioners to deliver motivating and engaging STEM experiences.

Laura McCafferty, National Education Officer for RAiSE, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Midlothian to our network as we expand our footprint throughout Scotland. In our collective drive to become a STEM nation, we firmly believe that stoking the natural curiosity of our youngest learners can inspire them with the confidence to continue their love of STEM through their education and beyond.

“To do that we need teachers with access to the right training, resources, support, and opportunities to bring STEM to life in their classrooms. RAiSE lays these foundations in a very local way, supported by a national network and strategy.”

Michelle Strong Education Chief Operating Officer at Midlothian Council, said: “We are pleased to be embarking upon the RAiSE investment. As an authority, we fully recognise that STEM is hugely important to our region’s success now and in the future. We must act strategically in order to empower the next generation.”

Twenty-two of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have now benefitted from the investment which funds the secondment of PSDOs for a two-year period.

Donna Hanley said: “From my time as a teacher, I know just how important it is to identify high-quality training, resources, and partnerships which bring the curriculum to life in a very accessible way. With so many competing priorities, STEM can be seen as an add-on. It is our role to showcase that it can in fact be a driver to achieve a range of priorities, while really playing to children’s natural enthusiasm to figure out the world around them. I am looking forward to better understanding the needs of Midlothian teachers and working together to realise opportunities which support improved STEM experiences.”

Through recent surveying, more than 80 per cent of practitioners said the programme challenged pupils in their learning, and that they had received support for developing pupils’ skills for learning, life, and work. They also said pupils’ aspirations had increased and that they had received support to build their own confidence, skills, and knowledge of STEM.