Dear STEM Ambassador
This year has seen new developments in the programme; the main feature is the Digital Platform. This innovation aims to improve your access to STEM Ambassador profile, update your own ‘activity records’, view a collation of recent requests across the network and also search though a vast catalogue of resources.
Access your profile by signing in at www.stem.org.uk with your email address and password.
STEM Ambassadors who need a new DBS and are unable to meet the Hub in person for the ID check can now nominate an External ID checker. Meetings with the Wales Hub are still provided but this facility will save much time. Please ensure that your DBS is still current – it is requirement in order to continue in the Programme.
Also, to be noted is the DBS Update Service, a valuable and free of charge service for STEM Ambassadors. When you renew your DBS you have 30 days to register the DBS number as a volunteer. This will validate your new DBS for use without having to be renewed as long as you wish to continue your STEM Ambassador role. A status check is all that will be required.
Naturally I will still provide you with local opportunities and support you in your STEM Ambassador role.
Read on for exciting news on events!
Sian
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Renishaw’s Showcase Launch
On the 28th March I was pleased to be a guest at the launch of Renishaw new Fabrication Development Ce ntre at the Miskin Pontyclun site.
The Centre offers a superb range of learning opportunities for Primary and Secondary students. The FDC programme and facilities have been developed with the express aim of introducing and enthusing learners in Engineering skills.
Read about Rensihaw’s fantastic opportunities here
The Centre was opened by Wing Commander Andy Green, holder of the World Land Speed Record  working with Bloodhound SSC and aiming for the 1000 mph record.
The Bloodhound Supersonic car was on display for the pupils and guest who attended. The STEM Ambassador Team from Renishaw were exemplary tour guides and hosts.
Radyr Comprehensive pupils attended a show from Bloodhound Ambassadors, practical activities and a workshop. Schools book very quickly for free workshops, and the quality of these programmes was endorsed by teachers from Radyr School.
 “We are so grateful for the school-business partnership we have with them. Thank you”
Renishaw are hosting Green Power Goblin Race final on Saturday 9th June – STEM Ambassadors are welcomed at the event.
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Going for Green – Goblin Power at Edwardsville Primary
STEM Ambassador Bob Love is an exemplary mentor and coach for the Edwardsville Green Goblin Racing team. Pupils at the school have been working on the Kit Car build since December; the call for support was  made by teacher Catherine Price, Bob was a perfect match as a STEM Ambassador for his expertise and evident enthusiasm.
Since January Bob has visited the school each week, taking the pupils through a Wednesday Masterclass on project build, technical specifications of the car and gradually assembling the vehicle.
I was delighted to visit a session at the school. Hugely impressive work has been undertaken with the pupils learning the practical handling of tools, sustainable building, electronics and physics of forces and motion. Bob starts the sessions with a talk on the maths, engineering and physics before they begin a morning of work on the car.
A classroom has been set aside for the build, and that morning they assembled the brakes and tested the braking power.
Staffs have been immensely grateful for Bob’s support:
“Without his input and skill this would never have happened, he is like a member of the teaching staff now and has identified areas of weakness that we can work on to improve pupils learning, such as measurement and maths application – a real team asset!”
Catherine Price
“The best project ever!! I learned how to use a spanner and all about Ohms” Maisie
“Reading the wiring diagram was the most interesting thing, the acceleration was the best part of the build” Jack
“I learned how to use a screwdriver and spanner, I really enjoy this project”
Millie
 Drivers, engineers and leaders will be selected for the finals and the team will be on show at Renishaw Green Goblin Race Saturday June 9th
Wishing them the best of success! They are hoping to raise funds for some smart team outfits.
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G2G Communities CIC LEGO WEDO2.0 Competition North Wales
Many thanks to G2G Communities and Dr Bill Lockitt for the following report on the successful completion of the Lego Wedo Competition. The competition was sponsored by the Welsh Government National Science Academy and G2G Communities CIC would like to thank them for supporting the ‘All SySTEMs Go’ programme
Schools took part in the WEDO 2.0 competition on Tuesday 20 March 2018 at Rhyl Town Hall. The standard set by participants was extremely high. Photographs of the day here
LEGO WEDO 2.0 Robotics Kit: Schools that took part in the competition will be able to keep their existing WEDO2.0 kit (Current value £120).
Each School received a plaque to say they took part in the competition. Team pupils and attending teachers also received a certificate. The final was very tight and STEM Ambassador Judges had a hard role judging.
First prize and Overall Winners: Ysgol Llewelyn 
Second prize: Ysgol Gwynedd
Third prize: Ysgol Cornist
Best Design: Ysgol Christchurch CP
Best video: Ysgol Tudno
Determination and effort: Ysgol Bodnant: Ysgol Brynteg and Ysgol St
Marys
The programme aims to inspire schools throughout North Wales to develop more hands-on STEAM related activities and highlight opportunities for the future.
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Science Week at Crickhowell High School
As part of National Science Week, Crickhowell High School pupils celebrated by taking part in a number of  exciting STEM activities. The week began with a trip to the Big Bang Fair at the NEC where pupils enjoyed the many STEM workshops, demonstrations and exhibitors on hand to inspire and enthuse the Year 9 pupils.
This was followed by a circus of STEM events at the school supported by local STEM Ambassadors. They included a Dragster Workshop, the Marine Conservation Society talking about ‘Plastic pollution’. A bridge building task, Forensic workshop, Mystery boxes and a Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water workshop.
Maths teacher Mrs Hand remarked ‘The students really enjoy these types of activities; it gives them an opportunity to try new skills and think about the possibilities of a STEM career’.
‘I’ve really enjoyed all the activities today; my favourite has been making and racing the dragsters’. Tom Year 7 pupil
STEM Ambassador Matt Gillie, who ran the forensic workshops said, ‘It was great to see that pupils found out that Science is actually useful!’
‘Thank you to all the STEM Ambassadors who took time to help make this Science Week such a success. There has been a real buzz around the school and the pupils have really enjoyed the variety of activities on offer’. Science teacher Kelly Holmes
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A new Initiative for Teenagers
Youth Cymru’s
British Science Week Event took place on Saturday 10th March.
9 STEM Ambassadors delivered workshops to 50 young people 14 – 19 yrs attending Youth Clubs and Home  Educated pupils.
The workshops were an open planned event where visitors could drop into sessions at their leisure. The Tramshed in Cardiff was chosen as an informal setting which would appeal to Youth groups not usually drawn to Science events.
Workshops covered: Computer Programming; Automated Car demos; Cancer Research; Genetics; General Dynamics Apprenticeships; Network Rail interactive challenge; Lego Mindstorms.
Wales Gene Park Education Outreach Dr Rhian Morgan brought a wonderful array of practical activities; Dr Valentina Flamini delivered an engaging talk and activity on her research. All teenagers stayed for the duration of the morning voluntarily.
 “Best part was that we could discuss things with people and their presentations were really good”
“Valentina was really good, taking time to talk through the facts of her cancer research helped me understand the points she made. People are usually very brief and don’t take time to explain”
Young attendees
Youth Cymru are now planning to incorporate a Science Pavilion in their Summer Camp weekend in Bridgend
  
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DVLA Code Challenge 2018.
The 2018 competition is now launched across Wales! Fabulous prizes on offer for schools.
Please spread the news to any school contacts (Primary and Secondary). You may be parent or have links with local schools. The website address is the same as last year:
http://dvlacodechallenge.dvla.gov.uk
It holds all the information schools need to register for the competition, how to enter and the themes, there is also a downloadable A5 Flyer!
This year both Primary and Secondary schools are eligible: there will be two competitions running side by side – one for the 7-11 year olds and the other for the 11-14 year old.
All themes are open to all age groups, the only difference is, that the 7-11 year olds can only use SCRATCH (same as last year), but the 11-14 year olds may choose any language they wish.
Closing date for entries is midnight on 12 October 2018
Cardiff and Wrexham STEM Biochemistry WORKSHOP training
- Cardiff venue tbc Wednesday May 16th 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Wrexham Techniquest Glyndwr LL11 2AW Monday May 21st 4.30pm – 6.30pm
STEM Ambassadors are invited to take part in this new workshop. The workshop focuses on Biochemistry in Cooking – but you don’t need to be an expert in biochemistry or cooking. The workshop will be demonstrated at the training session.
Following this Ambassadors will present one session at a local community group or school
The workshop is designed for KS2 / 3 pupils (7 – 12 years)
Please book your places rsvp sian.ashton@see-science.co.uk
Become an Active STEM Ambassador from your desk and laptop!
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here and I'm an Engineer, Get me out of here will run for two weeks from Monday 11th to Friday 22nd June 2018.
This is an easy opportunity to STEM engage with students at your leisure.
This June we’re running three themed zones and two general zones suitable for anyone working in science. Read about them or jump straight to the application form: I'm a Scientist - take part
Teachers apply by 30th April: imascientist.org.uk/teachers and imanengineer.org.uk/teachers
Bring your badge to work- get involved 
Our STEM Ambassadors bring you badge to work campaign is officially underway and we’d like you to get involved.
There are three £50 Amazon vouchers up for grabs and we’re looking forward to seeing some really innovative posts!
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Spread the Word Festival Merthyr Tydfil Thursday April 19th 2018
- Spread the Word Children's Literature and Arts Festival will be the biggest event in Wales on World Book Day.
- They are seeking STEM Ambassadors for a STEM themed activity.
- Taking place on Thursday April 19th from 9am until 3pm with over 3000 children in attendance it is based in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.
- At 9.30am a parade of over 1000 children will see the town coming to standstill with all participants dressed in Welsh costume.
- Helen Hughes would be pleased to welcome STEM Activities, STEM Buskers and any support you can offer: helen.hughes@stephensandgeorge.co.uk
Rhondda Cynon Taf Positive Achiever Assembly
Various schools April
‘Careers and the Working World’ is a programme which awards students from Rhondda Cynon Taf schools and open to year 10 and 11 pupils.
It is run by Julie Williams is seeking STEM Ambassadors to give a short 10 -15 minute assembly speech.
The talk will outline the importance of the qualities of a positive achiever award from an industry perspective and stress the employability skills needed in a modern day workplace.
Dates:
- Wednesday 18 April Ysgol Y Cymer
- Monday 23 April Tonypandy Community school
- Friday 27 April Poth Community School
STEM week 21 -25 May
Whitchurch Primary School
Cardiff
CF14 1XL
- Teacher Sophie Hawkins is seeking STEM Ambassador presentations, workshops and any other activities for her pupils during the week.
- Pupils are aged 4 – 10 years old – you can select the year group of your choice.
- Any date during the week and any time to suit your schedule
Microbes and Food
Cyfarthfa Primary School
Merthyr Tydfil
CF47 8RE
- Teacher Rich Price is seeking an Ambassador to cover the topic ‘Food Glorious Food’
- He would particularly like a session on Microbes and Bacteria
- Any date can be selected Summer Term.
- Offers forwarded to rprice@cyfarthfapark-pri.merthyr.sch.uk
Trelewis Science Week
May 28 - June 8 (any day of choice)
Trelewis Primary
Merthyr Tydfil
CF46 6AH
The school was not able to run a Science Week in March, and don’t want the pupils to miss the experience
- Teacher Jonathan Keefe is seeking any STEM topic sessions.
- You can offer for any age groups 5yrs - 10 yrs old, and all topics will be accepted.
- Pupils are studying Space, Electricity, Light, Sound, Environment, Habitat,
Human Body, Technology, Engineering topics, and many others
STEM - French
Lewis Boys School
Pengam,
Bargoed
CF81 8LJ
- Ffion McCarthy wishes to organise a session for year 8 boys about the importance of learning French with STEM subjects.
- They aim raise pupils awareness of the importance of language learning and working in a STEM environment
- This is an all boys secondary school based in Pengam
Ditch the Dirt
Clytha Primary School
Newport
NP20 4JT
- Teacher Jade Jones and her KS2 pupils are starting the new STEM Challenge on Clean Water.
- The project covers the importance and technology behind filtration, sieving and how dirty water can be made clean
- They would value a STEM Ambassador to visit the project and provide some advice / insight
Survival, Navigation Adaptation and Communication
Any dates after Easter
Crickhowell Primary
Crickhowell
NP8 1DH
- Teacher Sue Jones is seeking engaging sessions that can cover any of the above
- Pupils are years 5 & 6 (9 - 11 years)
- 70 pupils total can be split into sessions and groups
- Workshops or presentations are ideal
- Ideas: Animals, Marine Life, Radar, Birds, Human technology etc
Habitats for KS1 any dates Summer Term
Idris Davies School
Abertysswg,
Rhymney, NP22 5XF
- Teacher Danielle Self is seeking STEM Ambassadors who could offer a session on Habitats (plant or animal) for KS 1 pupils.
- Pupils are 4yrs – 6yrs old
- Any dates after the Easter Holidays can be accommodated
Science Week 18 – 22 June
Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Caerau
Ely
Cardiff
CF5 5QZ
- Science and Technology co-ordinator Alaw is coordinating Science Week. The school is located in one of the most deprived areas in Cardiff with around 30% of pupils receiving Free School Meals.
- Her aim during the Science Week is to build the children's aspirations in life and to engage the pupils' interest in Science and Technology.
- She would very happy to host STEM Ambassador sessions on any theme and any topic!
Chepstow Family Fun Day: It Takes a Village to Raise a Child!
Sunday May 13
Dell Park
NP16 5HD
- Friends of Dell Park are running a themed event to highlight the opportunities for young people and the transformation of the Park into an Outdoor Learning Centre.
- They welcome STEM Ambassadors who could bring an activity / table top challenge / outdoor activity.
- The event runs from 10.30 – 4pm but you can offer as much time as you can spare. My contact is Claire Adams friendsofthedellpc@gmail.com
Sustainability Day May 25th
St Brides Major Primary School
Bridgend
CF32 0TB
- Teacher Mair Clarke is coordinating Sustainability Day to celebrate their Platinum Award for Ecology
- Mair would welcome STEM Ambassadors who can offer talks or hands on practical covering environmental science or sustainability in your work
- All topics and offers gratefully received!
STEM week 11 – 15 June
Windsor Clive Primary
Cardiff
CF5 4HX
- Teacher Anouska Leckie is seeking STEM sessions on any topic during the week.
- Topics of interest include Environment and Health but all are welcome
- Anouska would like to start the week with an Assembly Talk by a STEM Ambassador
Cardiff. Science Cafe: talks or general attendance at Cardiff evening meetings
Please contact Sri to offer a talk or just turn up at the next meeting!
Sri Ponnusamy welcomes STEM Ambassadors to give a short talk or just to attend in support at Science Cafes Cardiff.
Meeting at Porters Bar Bute Terrace CF10 2FE, for a social gathering first Tuesday evening of each month. For the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. .
Rivers, Waterways and Geology.
St Pauls Primary
Grangetown
Cardiff CF11 7EU
- Teacher Matt Wilson is very keen to host STEM Ambassadors with sessions on Rivers, Geology of Waterways and similar topics.
- Pupils will be Year 6 (10 yrs old) Dates of your choice
Greenpower Goblin Race Saturday 9 June 2018.
Renishaw Miskin
Pontyclun
CF72 8XY
- This very successful event deploys Ambassador support each year.
- If you would like to be involved in this year’s event as a judge or team mentor please contact me
- General help with the event will also be welcome
Newport. Rhiwderin Brownie group Science / Engineering session
Any Wednesday 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
- Pack leader Sam is seeking STEM Ambassadors (particularly female) for a visit to their group. They would love to hear your career story.
- If you can bring something interesting for them – a demo or activity that would be great.
- I will forward offers to Sam.
STEM workshops
Ysgol Y Ffin
Caldicot
Newport
NP26 4NQ:
- STEM Ambassadors are always welcome to offer visits / after school Club sessions at the school
- This is a Welsh Medium School where Welsh is preferred for KS1 but English or Welsh welcome for KS2
- The school will also be hosting a family Saturday event – details to follow – STEM Ambassadors welcomed
After school or lunchtime Club visit (Welsh medium).
Ysgol Gymraeg Trelyn.
Caerphilly
NP12 3ST.
- Liz Owen is eager to host STEM Ambassadors. KS2 pupils are covering topics on Playing with Physics (yrs 3/4) and Energy Light & Sound (yrs5/6)
- If you can offer a one hour session 3.30 -4.30 or a lunchtime visit
- Any dates next term will be great.
Science topics - details below.
Waunfawr Primary
Crosskeys
NP11 7PG.
Flexible dates
- Teacher Joanne Cueto is seeking STEM Ambassador sessions on any of the following:
- Marvellous Me or Under the Sea or Curious Castles Nursery - Yr2
- Textiles or ‘How my body works’. Year 3 Year 4
- Healthy living and Food. Year 5 Year 6
Site visits to local places
St Peters Primary
Roath
Cardiff CF24 3SP.
- STEM sessions / site visits. Teacher Phil Ryan is very keen to build on recent visits by STEM Ambassadors and to local industries.
- Flexible on dates to suit Ambassadors.
- Phil would like to hear from any STEM Ambassador or group of Ambassadors who could offer a session or company visit.
- Pupils are mainly Year 4.
Science for Year 5
Lansdowne Primary
Canton
Cardiff CF5 1JY
- Teacher Karl Redding is keen to host a STEM Ambassador session.
- Topics can be anything from Space - Nature - Human Body - Engineering and the World around us.
- The session / workshop can be from 1 hour to half day as suits your session
Product Design, Invention. Human Anatomy.
Rhydypenau Primary
Llanishen
CF14 0NX.
Teacher Clarissa Brind is seeking workshops on
- Year 3: Human anatomy, digestive system, bones, blood.
- Year 6: Invention and Product Design.
Computer Science applications.
Lewis School Pengam
Bargoed
CF81 8LJ.
- Teacher David Eyles is very keen to host STEM Ambassadors talks or workshop on Computer Science. He is flexible on dates.
- A large number of pupils are keen on gaming, programming and general application in careers.
- Please contact if you can support.
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STEM Ambassador sessions / Club visit
Cadle Primary School
Fforest Ffach
Swansea
SA5 5DU
· Science Coordinator Jamie Davies is seeking STEM Ambassador Sessions for his pupils
· The school is in a deprived area and pupils lack interesting science experience outside their school curriculum
· Jamie would welcome STEM Club visits or a session of your choice at any time during the term.
Cardigan Cluster STEM event Monday 9 July
Theatr Mwldan
Cardigan
SA43 1JY
- Lee Burrows Leader of Learning at ERW is organizing a STEM day for teachers and school students.
- Activities will include a series of workshops
- Lee is seeking a STEM Ambassador (s) who could offer an introductory talk on your STEM Ambassador role followed by any STEM workshop of your choice
- Your workshop would run several times during the day
- Please copy me into a message to Lee at lee.burrows@erw.org.uk
Carousel workshops 18 June
Gowerton School
Gowerton
SA4 3DL
- 4-5 workshops to 30 students per session
- The event lasts from 9am – 3pm
- Any type of activity session 40 – 50 minutes would be great
Mock Interviews 19 or 20 June day of choice
Gowerton school
Gowerton
SA4 3DL
- STEM Ambassadors will interview pupils giving feedback on CVs and interview skills
- Any hours you can spare from 9am – 3pm
- Sample questions and guidance available
Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot Careers Festival 21 June
- STEM Ambassadors and Employers welcomes to set up interactive stands.
- Stands should be themed to Engage, inform and raise aspirations
- The aim is to enable students to consider entering their sector when they leave education
- Details will be sent by Careers Wales contact Gareth Price
STEM – FRENCH – SPANISH
Dylan Thomas School
Sketty
Swansea
SA3 0FR
- Teacher Lucy Griffin is seeking a STEM Ambassador with French or Spanish language skill
- Yr 7 pupils study Spanish with French introduced in Yr 8
- The session would be focussed on Careers but with Maths/ Science/ Engineering /Tech with modern foreign languages.
- Chances to use language skills not only abroad but also in Wales
- Many of her students are from a quite insular background, low socio-economic status, many with lower literacy skills than the national average.
- Ideally 4 sessions with a lunch break between sessions
This would be a great opportunity for these pupils as they have less contact to STEM professionals.
Llanelli. STEM inspiration for Girls.
Bryngwyn School
Llanelli.
SA14 8RP.
- Teacher Francesca Fair is seeking female STEM Ambassadors to inspire and motivate her Yr 9 girls with a stimulating career story.
- Girls are mixed ability group good students, but need to raise ambitions with careers paths.
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Employability Skills STEM Ambassador workshop
Monday April 23 4pm - 6pm
Money supermarket office
Ewloe
CF5 3UZ
A few spaces are available for this workshop:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/employability-skills-stem-workshop-tickets-44255284748
The aim is:
- To identify the Employability Skills that can be developed through STEM Ambassador engagement with schools.
- To share goals and identify common ground with Employers from different STEM industry and business
- To research resources and further training for STEM Ambassadors
We are grateful to Moneysupermarket STEM Ambassadors for offering their offices as a venue for the event. Refreshments provided.
Code Club Support (or STEM session in general)
Ysgol Bodafon
Llandudno
LL30 3BA
- The school are seeking a Code Club supporter or a session on STEM in general.
- If you can help I shall place you in contact with Adam Davies wales@codeclub.org.uk
Mock interviews Year 10
Friday 20th April (morning only)
Darland High School
Rossett
LL12 0DL
- Pupils will be interviewed by STEM Ambassadors in short 15 minute sessions
- Sample questions are available
- Pupils will be given feedback on CV and interview perfomance
- please copy me into a message to Lesley Lloyd: lesley.lloyd@careerswales.com
STEM Ambassador professional skills sessions. 11 June
The Marches School
Oswestry
SY11 2AR
- Meg Murphy is seeking STEM Ambassadors to take part in the event.
- STEM Ambassadors will talk to small groups of pupils.
- Healthcare professions are of particular interest – but all offers will be welcome!
- Please copy me into a message Murphy.M@marchesschool.net
STEM Club visits
St Gerards Primary School
Bangor
LL57 2EL
- Tamzin Pritchard runs her STEM Club on a Tuesday from 3pm - 4pm.
- Tamzin had visits from STEM Ambassadors last term and would now be pleased to have new visits on any STEM topic.
- If you can't attend the STEM Club Tamzin can arrange other times and days during the week. As usual interactive engaging topics are welcome!
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Primary science sessions. Dates flexible.
Llangors Primary
Llangors near Brecon
LD3 7UB.
Teacher Meg is eager to host STEM Ambassadors for any of these topics:
a) Rainforests year 3
b) Sea and Marine Life – year 4
c) Sustainability – year 5
Much appreciate volunteers in this small rural school
Renewable energy / Biomass/ Wind Turbine session.
Llangynidr Primary School
Llangynidr
Crickhowell
NP8 1LU.
Teacher Claire Watson is seeking an Ambassador to present workshop or talk on either Renewables, Biomass, Alternative energy.
Brockweir Soapbox Derby. Autumn 2018 STEM Ambassador support and / or judges roles
Community groups and pupils will be their home built racing cars in a ‘Design a Sustainable Kart’ race
https://www.facebook.com/brockweirsoapbox/
- The winning team will have to demonstrate how their Kart is eco friendly.
- Teams will have to think through Sustainability demonstrating how the lifecycle of the Kart meets with cyclical design.
- An award for the most Sustainable Kart will be given at the end of the race.
- The next race date will be in the autumn of 2018
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