This is a new and exciting pilot to establish 250 brand new Science and Engineering Clubs in schools across the country.  It followed an announcement by the Government in March 2006, to launch 250 new science clubs to engage and inspire Key Stage 3 students in both Science and Engineering.

The pilot launched on 13 March 2007 and is being implemented by a consortium of STEM partners led by STEMNET, including the ASE, the BA, Ecsite-UK, the Network of Science Learning Centres and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.

Schools were chosen to take part in the scheme in collaboration with DCSF.  They are expected to have around 20 participants each year and so, with 250 clubs, that means involving between 5,000 and 10,000 young people.  But it doesn’t stop there.  Schools are being encouraged to design and develop the clubs in such a way that there is a significant positive benefit on the wider school community, whilst encouraging links with local industry and businesses.

Involving more young people in science and engineering outside of the curriculum will undoubtedly encourage more young people to achieve and understand the opportunities possible with a good science, maths and technical education.  In the long term, it is anticipated that there will be an impact on the students taking part in the clubs such that an increased number of them go on to study science subjects post-16.

What’s more, the club activities will help demonstrate that science and engineering don’t happen behind closed doors.  Young people will see how and where these disciplines appear in everyday life and the world around them.