We are grateful to the range of partner organisation who support the work of SSERC. This section of the website provides a brief overview of each partner organisation including details of the support that they provide us.
The Scottish Association for Metals
The Scottish Association for Metals is the direct successor of the West of Scotland Iron and Steel Institute.
The Association is the learned society and professional institution for metallurgists and materials technologists in Scotland. It organises a programme of technical meetings and visits to inform and update those working in manufacturing industries, education and training about current developments and practices in materials technology. It is also a recognised Scottish charity (charity number SC014102).
We are grateful to the Association for it’s ongoing support in assisting Technology teachers and technicians access SSERC professional learning opportunities.
To visit the Scottish Association for Metals website click here.
Edina Trust
The Edina Trust provides non-competitive, easy-to-access grants, for primary schools in certain areas of the UK, to be used to promote the teaching of science and gardening.
The Edina Trust is pleased to collaborate with SSERC because of its shared aim to enhance the teaching and learning of science. In Edina’s case the focus is on Primary science and it respects SSERC’s work in this area along with its selection for government funding for its Primary Cluster Programme in Science and Technology. Providing one off science grants to schools that have participated in this programme is an effective way for Edina to ensure that its funds are spent in a focussed manner.
Its Science Resources for Schools scheme links the Edina funded resources closely to teachers’ recent CPD experience; this maximises the impact of SSERC’s CPD training by enabling teachers to put their learning into practice while still enthused by their SSERC training. The two-part structure of the programme is also valued in that this ensures teachers put their learning into practice in their gap task period. The purchase of hands on resources for pupils leaves a lasting legacy of Edina’s support of schools.
SSERC’s remit to train teachers across the whole of Scotland enables Edina to reach schools in areas where its traditional Science Grant Scheme model does not work. Although Edina’s work covers the whole of the UK it intentionally funds more Scottish projects because it a Scottish registered charity; its collaboration with SSERC helps this to be achieved.
The Edina Trust sought and valued SSERC’s input when developing its in-house boxed science kit, free to UK schools. The resulting “Science Close Up” kit has been well received by teachers who have commented on its simplicity and its flexibility. The Trustees are considering extending the numbers of boxes available to schools to 50 this year based on the demand for last year’s boxes
ESP
ESP is a collaboration of Scotland’s colleges and industry partners established to increase Scotland’s capability and capacity to deliver the right skills for the energy, engineering and construction sectors to meet industry demand.
Building on this ESP has identified three new priorities:
- Innovation in Education
- STEM Strategy
- Emerging Technologies
By working in a cohesive partnership Scotland’s colleges demonstrate a responsiveness and collective capability to provide the technical skills required by industry.
SSERC and ESP will work in partnership to develop and deliver Career Long Professional Learning to support the needs to the education community in Scotland.
Primary Science Teaching Trust
The Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) is a registered charity whose goal is to facilitate the development and dissemination of excellence in primary science. As a strategic partner of SSERC, we work together to promote excellence in the learning and teaching of science (and technology) in primary schools in Scotland. This strategic partnership allows SSERC to further develop and extend its Primary Cluster Programme in Scottish primary schools, allowing for the development of a sustainable and scalable model. The partnership with PSTT provides support for the appointment of both a Primary science education officer and a research assistant.
Scottish Government: Learning Directorate
Our main contact with Scottish Government is with the Learning Directorate which aims to ensure success for Scotland’s learners through an effective school system and wider learning environment.
It is responsible for:
- promoting quality implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence
- developing a teaching workforce with the right ambition, skills and motivation
- leadership in schools, communities and nationally
- ensuring infrastructure and access to digital technology is available
- implementing a system that focuses on performance improvement, innovation and good practice.
We are grateful to the Scottish Government for its financial support which facilitates a range of career long professional learning to support those in the education community with a specific focus on STEM.
Click here to visit the Scottish Government: Learning Directorate website.
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome exists to improve health by helping great ideas to thrive. They support researchers, we take on big health challenges, we campaign for better science, and we help everyone get involved with science and health research.
Click here to visit the Wellcome Trust Website
Explorify
Explorify is Wellcome’s free resource of engaging, creative science activities and has been designed to spark curiosity, discussion and debate. From video to hands-on activities, it’s easy to get Explorifying!
We are pleased to be supporting Wellcome to promote the Explorify programme in Scotland and ensure its longevity.
To visit the Explorify website click here. https://explorify.wellcome.ac.uk/
General Teaching Council for Scotland
The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out a wide range of statutory functions and initiatives to promote, support and develop the professional learning of teachers.
In 2018 SSERC was formally awarded with the ‘GTCS Quality Mark as a Professional Learning Organisation’.
A relatively recent innovation offered by GTCS, the Professional Learning Award for Organisations celebrates and recognises those organisations which support and promote teacher professional learning and identifies those which aim through their work:
‘to develop and enhance teachers’ knowledge, expertise and skill; develop their professionalism, and to impact positively on learning experiences and outcomes of children and young people’
Whilst we have always believed that our professional learning is of high quality, this formal recognition by GTCS is important as we seek to further enhance our reputation for quality.
We are grateful to the GTCS for their continued sponsorship of the Scottish Universities Science School.
STEM Learning
STEM Learning is the largest provider of education and careers support in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the UK. They work with schools, colleges and others working with young people across the UK. SSERC is STEM Learning’s strategic partner in Scotland.
Supported by a unique partnership of Government, charitable trusts and employers, they are dedicated to raising young people’s engagement and achievement in STEM subjects and careers.
We work in partnership with STEM Learning to deliver the STEM Ambassador programme; the ENTHUSE Partnership programme and the ETHUSE Bursary programme in Scotland.
SCQF Partnership
We are pleased to be recognised by the SCQF Partnership as an SCQF Inclusive Recruiter.
The purpose of the Inclusive Recruiter campaign is to encourage employers to agree to incorporate SCQF levels into their recruitment processes to highlight better the skills and experience required for any given post, not just specific qualifications.
