Raising aspirations in science

A science programme focused on igniting a passion for science in primary school pupils has been expanded to 10 local authority areas across Scotland.

The Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme aims to encourage young people into science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) careers, through the appointment of primary science development officers in each local authority to improve teacher confidence in delivering inspiring science learning.

The initiative started in West Dunbartonshire, Moray, East Ayrshire, Edinburgh and Highland in 2016 and has now been expanded to include Angus, Aberdeenshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and Glasgow.

A three year pilot, RAiSE has so far received over £550,000 of funding from the Scottish Government and The Wood Foundation to support its delivery since 2016.  Participating local authorities are also contributing financially to the programme.

Science Minister Shirley-Anne Somerville visited Blackhall Primary School in Edinburgh to see how it had developed its science curriculum through RAiSE and said:

“We want every child in Scotland to experience the wonder and excitement of STEM and one of the key aspirations announced in this week’s Programme for Government is for Scotland to be a leader in the invention and manufacturing of digital, high tech and low carbon innovations that will shape the future.

“The RAiSE programme will help us achieve that aspiration by developing the confidence, skills and enthusiasm of teachers in delivering science education, which is then passed down to pupils, and it has been great to see that in practice at Blackhall Primary.”

Sir Ian Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation, said:

“Developing young people in Scotland and providing them with the modern skills they need for the world of work is a key area of investment for the Foundation. We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to engage in quality science education from an early age. 

“Through the RAiSE programme, we hope to bring long-term benefits by providing teachers with the confidence and competence to deliver science at a primary school level.  This will hopefully establish early interest in science and technology and a desire to explore the vast world of science in school and beyond.

“RAiSE’s ambition is that early exposure to innovative science in the primary school classroom will encourage young people into STEM careers where there are significant skill gaps and many great job opportunities.”

 Background information

• The Wood Foundation and RAISE
• Key delivery partners include Education Scotland, the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC) and the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES)
• The RAiSE programme complements the Primary Cluster Programme in Science and Technology, delivered by SSERC with funding from the Scottish Government since 2012