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Developing our ‘Diversity’ programme
Since 2001 when our first student exchange took place at the University of Colorado, we have been working with like-minded professionals who want to give their pupils every opportunity to explore technology-based degree courses at university.
Part of the Engineering Development Trust and endorsed by The Royal Academy of Engineering Best programme, Headstart engages hundreds of students every year in a preview of the world of science, engineering and technology, helping them make informed decisions about their education.
To help us develop more strategies to encourage girls and all students from ethnic minorities to see whether a technology-based degree course is for them, we have introduced an annual draw for two Headstart teachers to visit our partner universities in the United States, to identify best practice.
Maths and science are the cornerstones, so who better to participate than teachers with these skills who encourage their students in Year 12/S5 to attend a Headstart course. Teachers with email details on our register were invited last year to enter a lottery to help us redesign relevant literature.
The draw was advertised to teachers who sent student applicants for summer 2006 and resulted in two of our youngest teachers winning: and as they represent the science and mathematics teaching community, we couldn’t have asked for better ambassadors to visit Colorado and Arizona!
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Heather Fenton, a Physics Teacher from Stockport Grammar School completed an engineering degree at Durham before taking her PGCE in physics and maths, then going on to schools in Bury and Ramsbottom in Lancashire. Heather attended an Insight course in her lower sixth (Insight girls-only courses are now part of Headstart) so is well-placed to identify what we can learn from colleagues in the USA. Walking the dogs and singing in a rock band feature among her interests outside school. |
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Scott Somers teaches Mathematics at Larkhall Academy near Glasgow and is another music fan: drums, volleyball and attending music concerts are among a long list of extra-curricular interests. Graduating from Strathclyde University with a mathematics degree, Scott has spent eight of his nine years teaching near Glasgow. Taking groups of students abroad every year for football and volleyball tours, he can help us identify good practice in America at courses with Headstart objectives.
| Headstart Teacher Ambassadors have now been identified for 2007, but you are invited to participate in the USA draw for 2008 by telling us what you think we need to do to attract more students – especially those with potential, not just those with the best academic results – and your name will enter the hat. That’s all you have to do – and of course, make sure we see some of your students (those currently in Year 12/S5) applying for Headstart in 2007. The draw will include all Headstart teachers who provide a genuine attempt to help us make a difference in the important area of increasing participation among students who have the potential to be accepted for a technological degree course at university, but may not realise they have the ability.
And please note - Editors decision is final!
Entry forms from david.ozholl@headstart.org.uk
Kind Regards, David Ozholl (Editor) |
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