GREAT BARR SCHOOL

  Great Barr School, situated in Birmingham and serving an urban area including Great Barr, Kingstanding, Perry Barr and parts of Aston and Handsworth, is the largest school in the country (2,450 pupils) and is currently a Specialist Science and Mathematics College as accredited by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust in 2005. As part of this specialism we currently have 40 students enrolled studying GCSE Astronomy in curriculum time, in addition to the normal science options available to Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils.

  During the last 18 months, the National Space Centre's contribution to pupil learning experiences has been significant. This has involved pupil visits to the Centre for Challenger missions as well as the opportunity to meet the crew of flight STS-121 on their visit to the UK in December 2006. Future schedules of Challenger missions are scheduled for the 2007-2008 academic year, and our AS/A2 students are part of the Pilot Group with whom new programmes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology are currently being trialled.

  I cannot overestimate the contribution the Centre has made to both their, and their teachers', experience of, understanding of and interest in science. Enthusiasm levels show a considerable boost immediately after a visit—one that is sustained and is already leading to increased levels of attainment (evidenced by coursework and modular examination results thus far). The future programmes are eagerly awaited, and many of the Astronomy and non-astronomy students have expressed strong desires to deepen their active involvement with the Centre in 2007-08, especially with regards to Space School 2008 (run in conjunction with the University of Leicester) and the further curriculum enrichment programmes being developed.

Anu Ojha
Advanced Skills Teacher (Physics)
Assistant Headteacher/Director of Specialist Status
Great Barr School

EAST MIDLANDS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

  The Regional Economic Strategy has a key aim of Raising Productivity (Structural Theme 1). emda is addressing this in part through the commitment to develop the skill levels of the current and future workforce (Priority action 1a), in particular to engage schools and colleges with businesses to ensure students are equipped with the skills and knowledge the businesses want. Our focus is on connecting schools with businesses to improve young people's understanding of the world of work with a particular emphasis on increasing interest in careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Sally Bassett
Skills Development Manager
East Midlands Development Agency