STEM Blog

November 9, 2017
by I. Menzies
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Yam Jam – Sciences Benchmarks for Assessment

Ever taken part in a YamJam? Now is your chance!

Education Scotland will be hosting a YamJam about the Sciences Benchmarks for Assessment on Tuesday 28th November from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Take part in the live social media discussion through the Yammer App on Glow – either from your computer, laptop or mobile device. Connect with other practitioners in the live session to ask questions, get advice, share your thoughts or experiences – or simply to tick off one of the coolest things to do and to say you’d been there!

The YamJam will be taking place in our National Sciences Yammer Group: http://glo.li/2ymdSuO. Just click on the Sciences Yammer Group before 4:30pm to take part.

If you’ve not logged into Yammer before then take a few minutes in advance of the Yam Jam to log on. To access Yammer – search for the Yammer tile in the Glow App library. Yammer can also be downloaded onto your phone or mobile device from Google Play Store or the Apple Store. When logging into Yammer for the first time – enter your Glow email address to access the Glow Yammer network.

For support information and guidance about the Benchmarks visit:

Sciences Benchmark Document

https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Pages/Curriculum-for-Excellence-Benchmarks-.aspx

Exemplification and Benchmark Videos

https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Pages/Curriculum-for-Excellence-Benchmarks-.aspx

November 6, 2017
by I. Menzies
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Grants and funding update Nov 2017

See last month’s blog post for further information about grants.

Funding for Heritage Projects (UK)

Grants of over £100,000 are available to support a wide variety of larger heritage projects. The funding which is being made available through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Grant Scheme is available to not-for-profit organisations; and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations for any project relating to national, regional and local heritage. This can include:

  • Archaeological digs
  • Preserve a historic places of worship
  • Helping people learn long-lost traditional skills
  • Look after rare species and habitats, etc.

Projects supported in the past include:

A grant of £730,000 to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust Limited to transform Richmond Station in North Yorkshire into a self-sustaining heritage and leisure attraction for the local community. Heritage Grants applications go through a two-round process. This is so that organisations can apply at an early stage of planning their project and get an idea of whether they have a good chance of getting a grant before they send a proposal in greater detail.

The next closing date for applications is the 7th December 2017.

https://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/heritage-grants

Grants to Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems (UK / Worldwide)

Outdoor clothing company Patagonia has funding of up to $12,000 available for projects that address the root causes of environmental problems. Small, grassroots, activist organisations around the world, working on action orientated and multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect biodiversity and the environment, can apply for grants to run projects that protect local habitats. Applicants must be able to produce measurable project results, and Patagonia are particularly keen to support efforts that force the government to abide by laws. Creative methods to engage communities to take action, including film, photography and books will only be supported if they are tightly linked to a direct-action campaign on the issue, with specific goals that go beyond education and awareness.

The deadline for applications is the 31st January 2018.

http://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/environmental-grants.html

Wren – FCC Scottish Action Fund (Scotland)

WREN, a Land fill operator and Environmental Body has announced that the next closing date for applications to its FCC Scottish Action Fund is 5pm on the 22nd November 2017. The FCC Scottish Action Fund makes grants of between £2,000 and £50,000 to the following types of projects:

  • Land Reclamation
  • Community Recycling
  • Public Amenities and Parks
  • Biodiversity
  • Historic Buildings.

For Public Amenity, Biodiversity and Historic Buildings, projects must be within 10 miles of any landfill site or transfer station. Funding can be used for contractors, materials, capital items, small items of equipment used by volunteers and staff to deliver the project, architect or design fees up to a maximum of 5% of the WREN funding request. Charities, parish councils, church or community organisations and voluntary groups can apply for funding as long as they are operated on a not-for-profit basis and have a formal constitution and bank account. In addition, Local Authorities can also apply.

http://www.wren.org.uk/apply/fcc-scottish-action-fund

Funding to Promote Events in Scotland (Scotland)

Note that 2018 is the Year of Young People. The Year of Scotland’s Coasts and Waters will be celebrated in 2020 while the focus in 2022 will be the Year of Scotland’s Stories, both led by VisitScotland.

EventScotland, the national events agency which aims to strengthen and promote Scotland’s events industry, has announced the National Events Programme round 38 is open to applications.

The National Events Programme complements the International Funding Programme and is important in developing domestic tourism across Scotland. Through the programme funding is available to support events (outside of the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow) that showcase Scotland and help to generate tourism.

Previous events supported through the programme include: The Wigtown Book Festival which received a grant of £12,205 to create a new infrastructure for the event to increase audience capacity and grow the event and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which received a grant of £25,000 to target visitors from outside Scotland to help grow their audience numbers.

The closing date for applications is the 2nd February 2018.

http://www.eventscotland.org/funding/national-events-programme/

 

Funding for Groups Facing Discrimination (UK)

The Edge Fund, which was initiated by a small group of philanthropists and activists in early 2012, has announced that the next deadline for applications is midnight on the 12th November 2017.

The aim of the fund is to support communities, campaign groups and activists struggling for social, economic and environmental justice. Groups facing discrimination and injustice because of their class, ability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other factors can apply for grants to challenge injustices and create just and healthy communities. The Edge Fund is a very small fund. The maximum grant for groups is £3,000 and £1,000 for individuals. The Edge Fund will only support very small groups and have not supported any group with an annual income of over £25,000.

Previous projects supported include:

Hammersmith & Fulham Coalition Against Cuts (£2,800). Hammersmith and Fulham Coalition Against Cuts (HAFCAC) is a campaign group led by and for disabled and older people in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham formed to challenge cuts that are marginalising communities and targeting the poorest and most disadvantaged members of society.

For further information on previously funded projects please click here

https://edgefund.org.uk/apply/?utm_source=Edge+Fund+Newsletter+2017&utm_campaign=cd05f7fa4a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_10_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4f4ff1b714-cd05f7fa4a-183368265

Young Environmentalists Grant Scheme (UK)

Thanks to funding from The Jean Jackson Charitable Trust Field Studies Council (FSC) has £5,000 per year for three years to support young people in need to attend specific FSC courses to develop environmental skills and understanding at a time when they are making career and life choices. When the funds are spent, no further grants will be offered until the start of the next year. Individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 years old who live in the UK and can demonstrate a need for financial support can apply for up to 50% off the course fee and can ask for help with travel costs for the following courses:

  • Summer camps
  • Duke of Edinburgh Conservation
  • Biodiversity focused residentials
  • And a selection of the FSC’s Natural History Courses.

Applications can only be accepted for support for one residential course or a maximum of three-day courses per year. Please see the FSC website for further details of eligible courses. Applications must be received at least two weeks before the start of the course but are accepted at any time.

http://www.field-studies-council.org/individuals-and-families/young-environmentalists.aspx

Funding to Protect the Marine Environment (UK)

Sea-Changers has announced that the next deadline for applications is the 31st March 2018.

Sea-changers vision is to create a world where the seas and shores are clean and healthy and marine species are protected. Funding is available for a range of UK based, marine conservation charities and not-for-profit organisations with projects in one of the following areas:

  • Marine Reserves/Protected Marine Areas
  • Direct Marine Clean-up Action
  • Education, Campaigning and Awareness
  • Species Protection and Research.

The maximum grant size is expected to be £600, although for exceptional projects funding of up to £1,000 may be considered. Projects that have previously been supported include:

The installation of a 2minutebeachclean station in Portrush, Northern Ireland and a long-term monitoring programme for local volunteer divers to contribute their observations of the health of the seagrass bed in Porthdinllaen, North Wales. Click here to view more projects supported.

http://www.sea-changers.org.uk/charities

Funding to Use Digital Technology to Enhance the Environment (UK)

Individuals and teams of young people based in the UK aged between the ages of 17 and 24 will be able to apply for funding of up to £10,000 for projects that use digital technology to make a positive impact on the environment. O2 – The Environment Now initiative is funded by O2 and the National Lottery, and is part of the Our Bright Future programme. As well as funding the programme also offers mentoring, work experience and insight days with industry professionals to help bring ideas to life. To be eligible the project must have a positive and measurable environmental impact in areas such as:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Waste and recycling.

Projects funded in the past include LettusGrow:

A company on a mission to reduce food waste around the world through soil-free gardening

Virtually There: an app that will contain different virtual reality experiences highlighting the impact of global warming, waste and deforestation.

http://www.o2thinkbig.co.uk/the-environment-now

B&Q Community Re-Use Scheme for Schools and Community Groups (UK)

DIY store B&Q operates a community re-use scheme through all its branches across the UK. The scheme donates unsellable products and materials for re-use by local schools, other educational institutions and community groups, for the benefit of the local community and the environment.

All items are donated on the understanding that they will be re-used or disposed of responsibly if they aren’t used. Eligible groups include:

  • Schools and colleges
  • Child minders, playgroups and nurseries
  • Allotment associations, community gardening projects
  • Youth groups including scouts, guides and cadets
  • Registered charities; Hospices
  • Conservation groups including The Conservation Volunteers and Forest Schools
  • Community projects organised by local churches and other religious groups
  • Women’s Institute, Lions Clubs, Rotary, Townswomen Guilds
  • Royal British Legion
  • Adult education projects, University of the Third Age
  • Other local community groups.

B&Q also works with Community Repaint, a network of schemes that collects any surplus, re-usable paint and redistributes it within their communities to individuals and families on low income, charities and community groups. For more information please contact your local store directly and speak to a duty manager.

http://www.diy.com/corporate/community/waste-donation/

Wolfson Foundation Health and Disability Grants Programme (UK)

The Wolfson Foundation has announced that the next closing date for stage 1 applications to its Health and Disability Grants Programme is the 5th January 2018.

Through the programme, the Wolfson Foundation, makes grants of between £15,000 – £100,000 for new buildings, refurbishments and equipment for a range of organisations delivering excellent care and support. The funding is focused on:

  • Palliative Care and Hospices
  • Older People
  • Transitions and Independence.

Match funding is required for projects over £50,000. The Foundation does not provide funding for clinical care which might be considered the proper responsibility of the National Health Service (e.g. refurbishment of hospital wards or other facilities, or provision of surgical equipment). The Foundation also encourage applications from all parts of the UK, especially regions that have few alternative sources of funding.

http://www.wolfson.org.uk/funding/health-and-disability/

British Science Week Community Grant Scheme (UK)

The British Science Week Community Grant Scheme is providing grants of £500-£1000 grants to community groups to run their own science activities during British Science Week (9-18 March 2018).

The mission of the British Science Week Community Grant Scheme is to expand the audiences that engage with science and the grants are available community groups that work directly with audiences who are traditionally under-represented and currently not engaged in science activity. This can include:

  • People who are Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME)
  • People with low socioeconomic status (SES), including people disadvantaged in terms of education and income
  • Young people facing adversity, including those not in education, employment or training (NEET)
  • People with a disability
  • People living in a remote and rural location, defined as settlements of less than 10,000 people.

Community grants cannot be used for events or activities with school groups unless they are a special needs school.  For school activities, the schools themselves, if they meet the eligibility criteria, should apply for our Kick Start Grants.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 13th November 2017.

https://www.britishscienceweek.org/about-us/grants/bsw-community-grant-scheme/

Royal Society of Chemistry – Outreach Fund (UK)

Individuals and organisations such as researchers, museums, schools, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, arts groups and libraries can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to run chemistry-based events and activities for public audiences and in schools.

Priority will be given to projects that raise awareness of the place of chemistry in people’s everyday lives, especially those not already interested in chemistry, and/or develop the science communication skills of people who are already highly trained in chemistry.

Previously funded projects include:

“Cool chemistry at the seaside” where the Society awarded a grant of £2,000 to volunteers in Ramsgate who transformed an empty town-centre shop into a makeshift theatre, delivering free chemistry demonstrations to anyone.

The closing date for small grants is the 2nd October 2017. The large grants programme is currently closed and will re-open for applications in January 2018.

http://www.rsc.org/awards-funding/funding/outreach-fund/#about

Equipment Grants for Mentally & Physically Disadvantaged Children (UK)

Schools and not for profit organisations have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Wooden Spoon Society’s Capital Grants programme.

Wooden Spoon the British and Irish Rugby charity which supports mentally, physically disadvantaged children. Through the programme funding is available for:

  • Buildings and extensions
  • Equipment & activity aids
  • Sensory rooms and gardens
  • Playgrounds and sports areas
  • Transport
  • Soft playrooms.

Since being founded in 1983, Wooden Spoon has made grants of over £20 million to more than 500 projects in the British Isles.

Projects funded in the past have included:

Ashmount School in Leicestershire, which received a grant of £13,500 towards a sensory room.

Enfield Heights Academy in London which received a grant of £23,000 to improve its play areas

The Colehill &Wimborne Youth & Community Centre which received a grant of £8,000 towards a wheelchair lift.

Applications can be made at any time and applicants should contact their regional volunteer group. Subject to an application being approved by Wooden Spoon Trustees, the Society require a minimum of one Wooden Spoon membership to be taken out by a representative of the applicant organisation.  For more information on how to apply, please click on the link below.

https://www.woodenspoon.org.uk/apply-for-funds

Funding for Sports Related Projects Run by Young People (UK)

vInspired, the Volunteering Charity, has announced that its Cashpoint grants scheme is currently open for applications for sport-related projects.

The Cashpoint grants scheme offers grants of up to £500 to give young people (aged 14-25) the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. The funding is available to individual young people (or small groups) who have developed a project idea and will run the project themselves. Projects must be run on a volunteer only basis and funded projects must create at least 2 new volunteering opportunities for 14-25-year olds (in addition to the applicant). vInspired cashpoint must be the only funder for the project.

There are no closing dates for applications and grants will be awarded on a continuous basis until all available monies are exhausted.

https://vinspired.com/cashpoint?utm_content=bufferb5736&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

£800,000 Support for Cultural Activities (Scotland)

Creative Scotland recently awarded over £800,000 of National Lottery Funding through its Open Project Fund to 40 recipients, including individual artists and organisations working across the arts, screen and creative industries.

The awards of between £1,000 and £99,445 have been made to festivals, musicians, visual artists, dancers, writers and community arts hubs; etc. The Open Projects Fund is available to a wide range of organisations and individuals working across Scotland in the arts, screen and creative industries. It supports a broad spectrum of activity including creative and professional development, research and development, production, small capital requirements, touring and collaborations, festivals, arts programming, audience development, etc. Support is available for projects of different scale and duration with the maximum period of award being set at 2 years. Awards are made in the range £1,000 to £100,000 (or up to £150,000 by exception).

Applications can be submitted at any time.

http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/funding-programmes/open-project-funding

Funding for Disability Tennis Wheelchairs and Equipment (UK)

Grants of up to £1,500 are available to special schools, disability groups and associations, etc for equipment and specialist wheelchairs to enable disabled people to play tennis.

Individuals can apply for grants of up to £500. Individuals can receive support for sports wheelchairs, tennis rackets, coaching lessons with a Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) licensed coach or course fees for official LTA development/coaching courses. Groups can apply for: Wheelchairs; Court hire; Coaching fees; and equipment packages which will include:

  • Rackets
  • Balls
  • Mini net
  • Coaching aids such as: cones and throw down marker lines.

In the case of wheelchairs, a deposit will be required; for individuals, the amount of deposit required will depend on the wheelchair type requested, clubs will need to raise a deposit of £250.

The next closing date for applications is the 13th December 2017

http://www.danmaskelltennistrust.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant.html

Funding for UK-French School Partnerships (UK)

The British Council has announced that grants are available for secondary schools (including sixth form and further education colleges) that have existing partnerships with a school in France.

The funding is being made available through the Charles De Gaulle Trust. The Charles de Gaulle Trust offers a grant of £5,000 per school for students aged between 17 and 19 who will be working on joint projects and study visits that can demonstrate a link to their school syllabus. A minimum of three students must participate in the project work.

The deadline for applications has been extended from the 13th November to the 1st December 2017.

https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/programmes-and-funding/charles-de-gaulle

Grants to Promote the Teaching of Greek (UK)

The Hellenic Society Schools Sub-Committee makes grants to schools to assist projects concerned with the teaching of Greek or Greek civilization.

Typically, grants are made for:

  • Books
  • The development of new courses in Greek
  • Teaching materials, classics days or conferences
  • Greek plays by schools
  • Summer schools for pupils; etc.

Applications from schools planning to start courses in Greek are especially welcome.

Applications on behalf of individual pupils or teachers are not normally considered, but a grant may be made to an institution for use as bursaries to individuals at the discretion of that institution. Most grants are in the range £100-£500, but larger awards are occasionally made.

The next closing date for applications is the 1st May 2018.

http://www.hellenicsociety.org.uk/grants/

Government to Launch Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (Scotland)

The Scottish Government has announced that it will launch a new £6 million Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund in early 2018.

The aim of the fund will be to provide investment over two years in infrastructure to support sustainable growth in rural tourism across Scotland. The new fund will support a wide range of improvement projects – such as parking, camping facilities, recycling points and footpath access. The fund will be open to bids from local communities working with local authorities.

https://news.gov.scot/news/rural-tourism-infrastructure-fund

The Classical Association Grants (UK)

The Classical Association (CA), which awards grants to support classical projects and conferences has announced that the next closing date for applications is the 1st December 2017.

The Association will consider applications for summer schools and to institutions offering extra-mural courses in Greek, Latin and classical civilisation; bursaries for teachers attending courses abroad to support:

  • Their professional development, notably the British School at Athens Easter Course
  • School teaching and outreach work such as Greek and Latin reading competitions, regional Greek/Roman days and school conferences; etc.

http://www.classicalassociation.org/grants.html

Funding to Regenerate Historic Buildings (UK)

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) which supports the conservation and regeneration of historic buildings, has announced that the next closing date for applications to its Project Development Grant scheme (up to £25,000) is the 1st November 2017 to be considered at the mid December Council meeting.

Charities, not for profit companies, CICs, Parish and Town councils can apply for funding to assist with the costs of developing and co-ordinating a project which helps to find a sustainable use for an historic building and takes it towards the start of work on site. The grants are intended to support project development costs only and not for on-site capital works. The AHF also makes Project Viability Grants (PVG) of up to £5,000 to fund studies to look at potential uses for a building and at its current condition.

Applications to the Project Viability grants as well as Project Development grants of up to £5,000 can be submitted at any time and are considered on a quarterly basis.

http://ahfund.org.uk/grant/

Funding Available to Bring Fibre Broadband to Remote Communities with a School (UK)

British Telecom has made £2 million available to increase access to super-fast broadband in communities in the final 5% of the UK not covered by fibre broadband rollout plans. The Community Fibre Partnerships grants will cover up to 75% of the cost of the new fibre infrastructure, up to £30,000, so long as that new infrastructure serves the local Ofsted registered (or equivalent) school or learning establishment. The grant is available to UK communities where their proposal for a new co-funded fibre infrastructure serves a school that doesn’t have access to superfast fibre broadband (typically <24Mbps).

Grants will be made on a ‘first come, first served’ basis until the funding is exhausted. Recent beneficiaries include Dunedin secondary school in Edinburgh a small secondary school, attended by pupils who have not coped with mainstream schooling.

https://www.communityfibre.bt.com/schools

Grants to Improve the Lives of Disabled and Sick Children (UK)

The next application deadline to the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People is the 6th February 2018.

The Foundation supports registered charities that work to improve the lives of disabled and sick children and young people by awarding grants for equipment, training, and support. Through the Foundation’s Central Grants scheme, awards of a few hundred pounds and up to £30,000 can be made, although most grants will be under £10,000.

Examples of grants awarded in 2016 include:

£30,000 to Disability Challengers for a sensory room.

£21,033 to Drove Road Residential Centre for a new playground.

£2,932 to Ichthyosis Support Group ISG for residential activity camps for children affected by the condition.

https://dmthomasfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/

WHSmith Community Grant (UK)

Voluntary organisations, charities schools and pre-schools can apply for grants of up to £500 from the WHSmith Trust. The WHSmith Trust is an independent registered charity that uses the proceeds of the compulsory carrier bag charges across the UK to offer the grants to support good causes in the local communities where WHSmith operates.

There are two application rounds each year. The deadline for the current funding round is the 31st March 2018. Applications can be submitted via an online applications form.

https://blog.whsmith.co.uk/community-grants-application/

Persimmon Healthy Communities Programme (England, Wales and Scotland)

House builder Persimmon, has 30 businesses across England, Wales and Scotland.

Every month during 2017 each of these businesses will donate up to £750 each to clubs, schools, organisations, charities and individuals who deliver amateur sport to young people aged 21 and under. Organisations who apply must not have more than £100,000 in their bank account and must not be providing sports training on a professional or for profit basis. The main objective is for people to use the funding to purchase sports kits, however entries will be considered for the purchase of other equipment and maintenance of facilities. Organisations may also be entered to win a grand prize of £200,000 to spend on their sport, club or team. In January 2018 all 30 businesses will choose three entries to go forward for the national prize, an independent panel will then choose one entry from each business which will go head to head in an online vote. The first prize is £200,000, there will be two runners up prizes of £50,000 each and 27 finalists will receive £5,000 each.

Applications can be made up to midnight on the 31st December 2017.

https://www.persimmonhomes.com/healthy-communities/

VisitScotland Growth Fund Opens for Applications (Scotland)

Visit Scotland has announced that it is now accepting expressions of interest for the VisitScotland Growth Fund.

The fund supports collaborative tourism marketing projects that focus on growth in the tourism sector and ensure that visitors experience the true Spirit of Scotland. It also helps businesses to build their digital capability and to market and measure their outputs and success more effectively. Successful applications must demonstrate:

  • A strong digital focus and creation of digital content
  • Strong strategic alignment
  • An innovative approach
  • Effective partnerships and collaboration
  • Achievable and measurable growth targets
  • A sustainable approach
  • Project viability and delivery.

Applicants must speak with a member of the Growth Fund team prior to making a full application and the deadline for initial expressions of interest is the 22nd November 2017.

http://www.visitscotland.org/business_support/marketing_opportunities/growth_fund.aspx

 

November 2, 2017
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Apply now for the Global Alliance Girls into STEM Programme

Girls aged between 13-18 years from across Scotland are being invited to apply for the next round of the 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures STEM Programme run by the Global STEM Alliance.

Students applying should:

  • Be between 13-18 years of age
  • Be currently enrolled in secondary school
  • Be willing to work with a mentor
  • Have regular and reliable access to the internet
  • Have a passion for STEM

Participating girls will be expected to contribute regularly through the online forum so they should be prepared to make this commitment before applying.

In the three years that Education Scotland has been supporting the programme, approximately 50 girls from Scotland have participated and six have been fortunate enough to be selected to attend the final summit in New York. See the blogs by Orla Nimmo and Stephanie Leitch to hear more about their experiences in New York.

Students can access the application by clicking here.

For information and resources about gender in STEM please visit Education Scotland’s National Improvement Hub: https://education.gov.scot/improvement/Pages/sci38-improving-gender-balance.aspx

November 2, 2017
by I. Menzies
0 comments

A STEM Strategy for Scotland

Making Scotland a STEM Nation

STEM Education and Training Strategy for Scotland has now been published

A STEM (Sciences Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics) Education and Training Strategy was launched in the Scottish Parliament last week by Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science. The strategy, together with a STEM Evidence Base Report, is now available to download from: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/10/1386/downloads

The strategy sets out the vision for STEM Education and Training for the next five years around the themes of Excellence, Equity, Inspiration and Connection. The ambitious actions for early learning and childcare, schools, colleges, universities and community learning and development (CLD) sectors have been developed through an extensive process of engagement and consultation.

Key commitments within the strategy include:

  • Improving the supply of high-quality STEM graduates into teaching
  • Recruiting a new network of STEM specialist advisors to support practitioners and raise STEM attainment
  • Enhancing opportunities for children in early learning and childcare (ELC) to learn about STEM and their natural environment through outdoor play
  • Delivering an enhanced programme of career-long professional learning for practitioners and technicians to improve STEM learning and teaching
  • Launching a new on-line STEM resource and directory for practitioners
  • Embedding best practice from the successful Improving Gender Balance project to improve participation by under-represented groups in STEM learning, courses and training, particularly for women and girls
  • Establishing a new Young STEM leaders programme to grow and spread inspiration and enthusiasm for STEM, starting in the early and primary years of education
  • Launching STEM Awards for ELC settings, schools and CLD settings
  • Growing successful STEM partnerships between schools and employers through the Developing the Young Workforce Programme
  • Helping science centres and festivals to attract under-served people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Creating a STEM hub network to strengthen regional-level collaboration between partners, including universities, science centres and employers.

A central focus on the strategy is to enable everyone to develop STEM skills for learning, for life and for work. Also included are commitments to expand Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship Programmes to enable many to pursue jobs and careers in STEM through these pathways. This strong focus on skills and careers will further enhance national efforts to Develop the Young Workforce (DYW) and embed employment and career management skills in the curriculum through the Career Education Standard.

Education Scotland would like to take this opportunity to thank the many practitioners, authority staff and partners who helped to shape this strategy by participating in on-line surveys or by taking part in consultation and engagement events. We are very much looking forward to working with key partners to realise the bold ambitions within the strategy and to improving outcomes for learners, of all ages, across Scotland through STEM.

We would be grateful for any help you can give in disseminating the strategy to your colleagues and networks. Please remember too to share your ideas, practice and approaches in relation to STEM through Twitter @EdscotSciences #ScotSTEM and through our national STEM Yammer Group: http://glo.li/2A7gCgr.

You can also receive key monthly updates and news by subscribing to Education Scotland’s STEM ebulletin.

October 31, 2017
by I. Menzies
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Quantum Shorts Competition

Quantum Shorts

There are only two possibilities: Yes or No

Win up to US$1,500 for your quantum inspired short story in this international flash fiction competition!

Interested in storytelling? Get your creative juices flowing in writing a short story (of not more than 1000 words) inspired by some aspect of quantum physics and stand to win cash prizes, a trophy and original artwork to illustrate your story.

Your story must also include the sentence: “There are only two possibilities: yes or no”.

For entry requirements and a whistle stop tour of quantum theory and other interesting tips, visit shorts.quantumlah.org.

Closing date: 1 Dec 2017, 2359hrs GMT

Quantum Shorts 2017 Flyer

October 8, 2017
by I. Menzies
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Sciences Benchmarks with links to other curriculum areas

Practitioners from early learning, primary and secondary sectors may be interested in this version of the Sciences Benchmarks which includes suggested links to literacy, numeracy and other curriculum areas. This version has been produced by Education Scotland in response to feedback received during the consultation phase.

Sciences Benchmarks with additional links March 2017

Please note:

  • There is no obligation to engage with this version – practitioners are welcome to use it if they find the suggested links to other experiences and outcomes helpful
  • The Benchmarks have not been changed – apart from the suggested links to other experiences and outcomes, this document is identical to the Sciences Benchmarks document published on the National Improvement Hub in March 2017
  • This version can be used to enhance links between sciences experiences and outcomes and literacy, numeracy and health and wellbeing
  • The additional links can also support IDL approaches, particularly in relation to other STEM subjects
  • In relation to technologies, suggested links are to the newly revised technologies experiences and outcomes
  • The suggested links do not need to be followed – practitioners should bundle experiences and outcomes to meet the needs of their learners and to suit their own local contexts.

October 8, 2017
by I. Menzies
0 comments

Grants and Funding Update

For previous posts about grant funding please see this blog post>>

 

WHSmith Community Grant (UK)

Voluntary organisations, charities schools and pre-schools can apply for grants of up to £500 from the WHSmith Trust. The WHSmith Trust is an independent registered charity that uses the proceeds of the compulsory carrier bag charges across the UK to offer the grants to support good causes in the local communities where WHSmith operates. There are two application rounds each year. The deadline for the current funding round is the 31st March 2018. Applications can be submitted via an online applications form.

Funding to Protect the Marine Environment (UK)

Sea-Changers has announced that the next deadline for applications is the 31st March 2018. Sea-changers vision is to create a world where the seas and shores are clean and healthy and marine species are protected. Funding is available for a range of UK based, marine conservation charities and not-for-profit organisations with projects in one of the following areas: Marine Reserves/Protected Marine Areas; Direct Marine Clean-up Action; Education, Campaigning and Awareness; Species Protection and Research. The maximum grant size is expected to be £600, although for exceptional projects funding of up to £1,000 may be considered. Projects that have previously been supported include the installation of a 2minutebeachclean station in Portrush, Northern Ireland and a long-term monitoring programme for local volunteer divers to contribute their observations of the health of the seagrass bed in Porthdinllaen, North Wales. Click here to view more projects supported.

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (UK)

The next deadline for applications to the Rights and Justice: Power and Accountability; Sustainable Future: Northern Ireland: and Cross-cutting themes programmes of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) is the 4th December 2017.

JRCT is interested in funding work which is about removing problems through radical solutions, and not simply about making problems easier to live with; that has a clear sense of objectives, and of how to achieve them; and is innovative and imaginative and where the grant has a good chance of making a difference. JCRT makes grants to a range of organisations including registered, excepted or exempt charities based in the UK for work that seeks to make positive change across the UK as a whole, or across one or more of its member countries – England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for a grant for unrestricted or core support, although support for specific programme or project funding is also available.

https://www.jrct.org.uk/when-to-apply

Funding for the Historic Regeneration of Towns and Cities (UK)

The Townscape Heritage Initiative is Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant giving programme that supports schemes to regenerate the historic environment in towns and cities across the United Kingdom.

The programme is designed to address problems in areas of particular social and economic need. The scheme is open to single organisations (such as Local Authorities) or partnerships of not for profit organisations and provides grants of between £100,000 and £2 million. If applicants receive a first-round pass, they will need to develop the scheme further within a 12-month development phase and then send a detailed second-round submission.

The second round is not competitive; a grant will be offered to the applicant if it meets the HLF’s criteria and priorities. The next closing date for stage 1 applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund’s (HLF) Townscape Heritage Initiative is 12 noon on the 8th December 2017. Second-round applications can be submitted up to 12 months after first-round approval.

http://www.hlf.org.uk/HowToApply/programmes/Pages/Townscape_Heritage.aspx#.VArHA2NAf20

Funding for Digital Youth and Community Projects (UK)

GoThinkBig.co.uk, which is an online digital hub from O2 (O2 Think Big) is inviting applications from individuals to apply for funding of £500 to support social action projects that inspire others to unlock their potential and benefit the local community.

Projects should make use of digital technology and can be based around anything from skills workshops, podcasts, journalism pieces to live events, community initiatives or apps.  To be eligible to apply, applicants should be aged 15-24 live in the UK and have a creative and unique project idea.  Projects need to be completed within 6 months.

The closing date for applications is the 28th October 2017.

https://gothinkbig.co.uk/opportunities/youth-project-potential-unlocked-round-one – When you click on this link it offers several link choices – there is a specific funding strand for the environment: https://gothinkbig.co.uk/opportunities/the-environment-now-funding

The Magic Little Grants Fund (UK)

In association with Postcode Community Trust, Localgiving is offering local charities and community groups the opportunity to apply for grants of either £250 or £500 to deliver physical activities.

Grants can be used to support the general running costs of new and existing sports and physical activities. For example, this could include:

  • Facilities hire
  • Kit & equipment
  • Coaching qualifications
  • Other volunteer expenses etc.

The fund is open to charitable organisations with an annual income of under £50,000. The application process is open to the 31st October 2017 and is open to all members of Localgiving that meet the criteria. Organisations that are not already a member of Localgiving are required to complete the Localgiving registration process before completing the application.

https://localgiving.org/what-we-do/magic-little-grants/

Co-operative Bank Donation Fund Opens for Applications (UK)

Organisations such as Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operatives and Credit Unions; etc. that have a Community Directplus account with the Co-operative Bank have until 31st March 2018 to apply for funding of up to £1,000 from the Customer Donation Fund.

Since 2003 the Co-operative Bank Donation Fund has donated over £750,000 to 866 organisations. The money can be used to support special projects and fundraising activities; and all Community Directplus account holders are eligible to apply.

Examples of previous projects supported include:

Theatre company 20 Stories High which received funding towards three dictaphones, 12 MP3 players and the work of an experienced Technical Manager to help develop and stage a new production.

Wiltshire Wood Recycling, a not for profit organisations, which received funding towards new tools, boots, hard hats and high-viz jackets for the workers.

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/business/community/community-directplus#customerdonationfund-2

Grants to help Schools Celebrate National Science and Engineering Week 2018 (UK)

To help celebrate National Science and Engineering week, the British Science Association, with funding from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, is providing grants for schools in challenging circumstances to organise their own science and engineering events.

Two types of grants are available:

  • Kick Start grants of up to £300 for schools to run an activity during British Science Week
  • Kick Start More grants of up to £700 for school to host a science event or activity which involves students and people from the local community.

The community can comprise of families/carers, members of local community groups, local businesses and local press. To be eligible, schools must have either a high proportion of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds (over 30%); have a high proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium; and/or be a small school in a remote and rural location.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on the 13th November 2017.

https://www.britishscienceweek.org/about-us/grants/kick-start-grant-scheme/

Funding for Links with Japan (UK)

£2,000 – £7,000 are available to promote and support interaction between the two countries. Daiwa Foundation Small Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and other projects and events. New initiatives are especially encouraged.

Projects that have received funding in the past include:

Beckfoot School (Bingley) which received a grant of £3,000 to support a two-week curriculum-based school exchange visit by ten students and two teachers to Hiroshima Kokusai High School.

Dene Magna School which received a grant of £4,000 to support a school exchange visit by three teachers and nine pupils to enhance links established in 2002 with two partner schools in Okinawa and to consolidate Japanese as part of its curriculum.

The next closing date for applications is the 31st March 2018.

http://www.dajf.org.uk/grants-awards-prizes/daiwa-foundation-small-grants

The Suez Communities Trust Now Accepting Applications at any Time (England & Scotland)

The Suez Communities Trust provides funds to not-for-profit organisations to improve public amenities that are available for leisure and recreation use by the general public; the maintenance, repair or restoration of a building, other structure or a site of archaeological interest which is a place of religious worship, or a site of historic or architectural or archaeological interest and is open to the public; and the conservation of biodiversity through the provision, conservation, restoration or enhancement of natural habitat or the maintenance or recovery of a species in its natural habitat.

Through the Landfill Communities Fund the Trust can offer grants of up to £20,000 through its Smaller Projects Fund and grants of up to £50,000 through its Primary Fund.

To be eligible, applicants needs to be a not – for profit organisations located within three miles of a qualifying SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK waste processing site. N.B. due to the rural nature of the Aberdeenshire funding zone this zone has a 10-mile radius.

http://www.suezcommunitiestrust.org.uk/

IGas Community Energy Fund Opens for Applications (England & Scotland)

IGas Energy Plc is one of the UK’s leading onshore hydrocarbon producers has announced that its Community Energy Fund has opened for applications.

Over the past nine years IGas has awarded nearly £1 million worth of grants to help local communities located close to the oil and gas production and exploration sites where they operate. The fund covers specific areas of Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire and Scotland. IGas support projects that make a difference to life in the mainly rural communities where they operate. Organisations that are eligible to apply include community and voluntary organisations that are charitable, educational or benevolent in purpose; as well as local schools. Applicants will need to demonstrate need for their project, real community benefits and value for money.

Projects funded in the past range included:

A primary school in West Sussex that engaged pupils to help elderly neighbours with their computers, to a project in the north of Scotland training unemployed people in building skills to support community groups and organisations. Money has also been allocated to several rural villages to buy potentially life-saving defibrillators.

The closing date for applications is the 28th February 2018. Applicants need to register their interest before applying.

http://www.igascommunityfund.co.uk/projects.html

Lybster Parent Council – outdoor adventures

Awarded a grant of £3,500, this project is designed to enhance the land surrounding the village school football pitch and provide additional recreational space and activities. Plans include the planting of trees, shrubs and wild flowers and the creation of an obstacle course, imaginative play zones and outdoor structures such as a stage where the children can perform.

Funding for School Libraries (Scotland)

School Library Managers can now apply for funding from the Scottish Library Improvement Fund. The funding is administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council on behalf of the Scottish Government. A total fund of £100,000 is available, there are no minimum or maximum grant amounts but projects must be completed within twelve months. A range of activities can be funded including: Research, Impact Analysis, Service Development, Staff Training, Partnership working, Creation of New Resources or Services, Case Studies, Promotion of Standards and Good Practice Guides.

All applications must have a link to one or more of the following priorities:

  • Reader Development
  • Information Literacy
  • Digital Creativity
  • Health and Social Wellbeing.

The closing date for applications is the 27th October 2017.

http://scottishlibraries.org/funding/school-library-improvement-fund/

The ScotRail Cultural and Arts Fund – New Closing Date Announced (Scotland)

Foundation Scotland has announced that the closing date for the next round of The ScotRail Cultural and Arts Fund is the 18th December 2017.

Funding of between £500 and £2,000 is available to individuals/sole traders and constituted community groups working in Scotland with an income of no more than £100,000 per year. The fund aims to support arts, community recreation, and sports activities near a train station or with a travel or safety theme. To be eligible applications must fit within one of the following themes:

  • Promotion of performing arts, visual arts, literature, community arts and cultural traditions
  • Support for artists and artistic organisations to work with communities
  • Public art e.g. sculptures in open spaces
  • Children’s play areas
  • Local activity programmes
  • Increasing participation in sport and physical activity
  • Sports events and outreach programmes.

https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/scotrail-cultural-and-arts-fund/

Historic Scotland’s Organisational Support Fund (Scotland)

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that its Organisational Support Fund is open for applications. The Organisational Support Fund can provide financial support to organisations responsible for the operation, management or safeguarding of historic environment assets.

Funding is available for:

  • The operation, management or safeguarding of historic environment assets
  • To assist in the delivery of defined projects/ activities
  • And/or to provide resilience funding where organisations are experiencing financial or organisational difficulties.

HES accepts applications for the Organisational Support Fund throughout the year, however, these are considered in one batch with the next closing date being the 30th September 2018.

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/grants-and-funding/our-grants/organisational-support-fund/

 

Funding for Heritage Projects (UK)

Grants of over £100,000 are available to support a wide variety of larger heritage projects. The funding which is being made available through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Heritage Grant Scheme is available to not-for-profit organisations; and partnerships led by not-for-profit organisations for any project relating to national, regional and local heritage. This can include This can include archaeological digs, preserve a historic places of worship, helping people learn long-lost traditional skills, look after rare species and habitats, etc. Projects supported in the past include a grant of £730,000 to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust Limited to transform Richmond Station in North Yorkshire into a self-sustaining heritage and leisure attraction for the local community. Heritage Grants applications go through a two-round process. This is so that organisations can apply at an early stage of planning their project and get an idea of whether they have a good chance of getting a grant before they send a proposal in greater detail. The next closing date for applications is the 7th December 2017.

“With our help you could set up an archaeological dig, preserve a historic place of worship, help people learn long-lost traditional skills, look after rare species and habitats, and much more.”

BBC Children in Need – Small Grants Programme (UK)

Not for profit organisations such as schools; registered charities; voluntary organisations; churches; and community interest groups; etc. can apply for grants of up to £10,000 per year for up to 3 years for projects that help children and young people overcome the effects of illness, distress, abuse or neglect; disability; behavioural or psychological difficulties; and poverty and deprivation. Projects supported in the past include Trewirgie Junior School which received a grant of £9,760 to provide after school sailing sessions to disadvantage children aged 7-11; the Midlothian Association of Play which received a grant of £9,996 to run holiday playschemes with trips and activities for young people living in low income areas. The closing date for applications is the 1st December 2017.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/tv/pudsey/grants/CN0187_Grants_Listings_Scotland.pdf – list of grants made in Scotland

Veolia Environmental Trust Grants (UK)

The Veolia Environmental Trust, has announced that the next closing date for stage 1 applications is the 30th November 2017 for projects starting between the 26th March and the 5th June 2018. Constituted, not-for-profit groups within the vicinity of a qualifying Veolia site, can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 towards community buildings; parks and paths, play and recreational facilities; and nature reserves. To qualify for funding, projects must have a total cost of under £250,000 (including VAT and professional costs). There is a two-stage application process and applicants successful at stage 1 must have secured 20% of funding towards the project prior to submitting a full (stage 2) application.

Comic Relief is Investing £2 Million in Small Community Organisations (UK)

Comic Relief has announced a new £2 million programme to support small community led organisations across the UK.

The Core Strength Local Communities Grants programme provides funding of between £1,000 and £10,000 for up to 12 months to small local community organisations for essential core running costs.   Only small groups with an annual income of up to £100,000 will eligible to apply. The initiative will sit under the Comic Relief programme of Building Stronger Communities – supporting groups who work to make their communities more connected, empowered and productive.   The programme will be managed by UK Community Foundations on behalf of Comic Relief.

Application windows will open at different times across the UK, between August 2017 until July 2018. Please contact your local Community Foundation to find out more information.

https://www.comicrelief.com/news/ps2-million-initiative-investing-small-community-organisations-across-uk

Funding to Regenerate Public Parks and Cemeteries (UK)

Grants of between £100,000 and £5 million are available to regenerate public parks and cemeteries.

Applications are being accepted from local authorities and not for profit organisations that own public parks and cemeteries. To be eligible applicants will need to show that:

  • The community values the park or cemetery as part of their heritage
  • They meet local social, economic and environmental needs
  • The management actively involves local people.

Applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund go through a two-round application process. This is so organisations can apply at an early stage of planning their project and get an idea of whether they’re likely to receive a grant. At the first-round applicants can also ask for funding to develop their project.

Recent awards include:

A £1.84 million grant to restore Castle Park in Cheshire back to its original historic landscape and to improve sports facilities, the play area, and cafe and kiosk facilities.

A £3.5million grant to restore the historic landscaping and buildings, upgrading footpaths, entrances, furniture and signage of Brockwell Park which is located between Brixton, Norwood and Dulwich.

The closing date for applications is the 28th February 2018.

https://www.hlf.org.uk/looking-funding/our-grant-programmes/parks-people

Goldsmiths Grant for Teachers (UK)

Teachers and Head Teachers with a minimum of 5 years’ practical school teaching experience in the UK can apply for grants of up to £3,000 to enhance their personal and professional development.

In addition, the Company will pay a maximum of £2,000 supply cover to the school. Grants offer the opportunity to take time out from the classroom in order to undertake an original project in the UK or abroad and can cover costs including travel, accommodation and materials. Applications will be judged on their potential to enhance a teacher’s professional life and benefit his/her students on completion.

Examples of projects that may be supported include:

Comparisons of best practice in teaching and school administration at home or abroad or personal development projects e.g. creative writing, arts, science, music, languages and coaching.

Applications must be submitted by 1 December 2017

https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/charity/education/grants-teachers/

Example of a previous grant:

Reach Out Reporter

The Goldsmiths’ Company Charity is delighted to be able to provide the financial support for the launch of Reach Out Reporter, a new online news service to help UK primary school teachers bring topical science into their everyday teaching and learning. Created by Imperial College, London and Tigtag (the award-winning primary science resource company), Reach Out Reporter aims to introduce primary school children to the wonders of the world around them with topical films and other learning resources based on the latest science news and topical issues.

Reach Out Reporter explores a wide range of science-based stories each week – from hurricane-chasing meteorologists to how space litter is affecting life on earth – and aims to promote cross-curricular learning. The service is updated with new content on a weekly basis, and is available free of charge. We hope that in addition to teachers, the resource can also be used by anyone in the UK, including parents and children outside of the classroom as a tool for home learning.

Scottish Rural Development Programme – Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation (Scotland)

Individuals, constituted groups and businesses in Scotland that process agricultural products into food products or are involved in collaborative working within the food chain have until the 19th November 2017 to apply for funding from the Scottish Rural Development Programme.

The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation scheme provides support to suppliers and producers who are working to make Scotland a Good Food Nation, where it is second nature to produce, buy, serve and eat fresh, healthy food. Funding is available for start-up grants for new food processing businesses and development grants for existing businesses and can be used for both capital and non-capital projects. The amount of funding available is dependent on the size of the business (please see the Rural Payments website for details).

https://www.ruralpayments.org/publicsite/futures/topics/all-schemes/food-processing–marketing-and-co-operation/

Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (UK / International)

The next deadline for applications to the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust is 15th January 2018.

Charities registered in the UK and working to offer sanctuary, rehoming and rehabilitation to animals in the UK and/or internationally can apply. The maximum funding available is £35,000 and to be eligible to apply the applicant organisations should:

  • Be a UK registered charity
  • Have independently examined up to date annual accounts
  • Have an active re-homing and rehabilitation policy for animals taken into care.

Organisations involved with conservation of wildlife, the rescue, rehabilitation and (where possible) release of animals are also eligible to apply. The funding can be used for general running costs or capital purchases.

http://www.jeansainsburyanimalwelfare.org.uk/policies.html

Ashden UK Awards 2018 – Open for Applications (UK)

The Ashden Awards reward organisations in the private, public and not for profit sectors that deliver sustainable energy at the local level, and through this bring social, economic and environmental benefits. The themes for 2018 are focused on the developments required to move the UK rapidly towards a low-carbon economy. In 2018 the Ashden Awards we will make a total of up to four UK Awards.

The themes for 2017 are focused on the on work to reduce and manage demand for energy. In particular, the Awards are looking for pioneering enterprises and programmes that are demonstrating achievement in any of the following areas:

  • Sustainable buildings
  • Energy innovation
  • Clean air in towns and cities (sustainable Transport)
  • Facilitating energy market transformation for sustainability.

The winner of each awards category will receive a prize of £10,000 as well as national media exposure. The Ashden Awards will also be giving separate awards for international organisations, details of which are available on www.ashden.org.

The deadline for applications is 11.59 GMT on 7 November 2017.

Funding for the Conservation of Mammals in the United Kingdom (UK)

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species is inviting applications from voluntary conservation organisations, scientific researchers, individuals and consortia under its UK Mammals Grant Scheme.

Funding of between £10,000 and £20,000 is available for research projects that relates to the conservation of mammals in the British Isles and Eire. Funding will be made available under three themes, these are:

  • Monitoring Mammals
  • Habitat availability, loss and modification
  • Human Impacts and Migration.

The trust aims to fund scientific research, practical habitat management work, reintroduction and monitoring programmes and educational projects.

The deadline for applications is the 31st October 2017.

http://www.ptes.org/index.php?cat=89

Weir Charitable Trust (Scotland)

The next closing date for applications to the Weir Charitable Trust is the 28th February 2018.

Small community groups and charities based in Scotland can apply to for funding of up to £25,000 to support projects relating to:

  • Sport
  • Health
  • Culture
  • Animal Welfare
  • Recreational Facilities.

To be eligible, the applicant organisation will need to have an income of £100,000 or less per year. Projects supported in the past include:

Borders Talking Newspaper (BTN), a charity which makes free weekly audio recordings of local newspapers from the Scottish Borders and circulates them on memory stick to around 150 people.

Dads Rock which is the only preschool playgroup in Edinburgh specifically for dads and male carers.

http://weircharitabletrust.com/

Example of Weir Charitable Trust grant:The Polar Academy

The Polar Academy is a Bo’ness-based charity with the aim of inspiring and positively changing young peoples’ lives through Arctic exploration.

The Polar Academy – www.thepolaracademy.org

It was founded and is run by Scotland’s greatest living Polar Explorer, Craig Mathieson who is one of only 12 polar explorers in the world to have skied to both the south and north poles.

We are thrilled to support this year’s 2017/2018 expedition with pupils from Lochgelly High School in Fife.  The award will be invested in the expedition team’s weekly training programme in Scotland and charity running costs, before the expedition team depart for 10-days in Arctic Greenland in April 2018.

Craig has worked tirelessly, since forming The Polar Academy in 2014, to transform the lives of young people in Scotland crushed by a lack of self-confidence and self esteem.  In just four years The Polar Academy has already engaged more than 50,000 pupils across the country as every pupil participating returns to share their story with other young adults in their local authority area.

LESS CO2: Free Energy Efficiency Training for Schools (UK)

The LESS CO2 sustainable schools programme is a free energy efficiency programme available to any UK school including council run, academy or independent schools.

Funded via the Ashden Trust, the programme consists of a series of half day workshops spread through the year, peer mentoring, expert advice and resources. Through participation in the programme, staff are empowered and equipped to make changes and improvements to their school to reduce their energy usage, save money on bills and lower their CO2 emissions. Schools work together, learning from each other in clusters of 15 schools in a suitable geographical area, attending four local workshops throughout a year. The workshops teach the school’s representatives about energy saving in their buildings, how to engage with their fellow staff and students about energy, and educate them about the link between sustainability, energy use and efficiency. So far, 269 schools have benefitted from the scheme with those taking part saving on average £2,600 (and 10 tonnes of carbon) in their first year.

Every school in the UK is eligible to apply by registering an interest on the LESS CO2 website at any time.

http://www.lessco2.org.uk/

Support for Environmental Outreach Education for Disadvantaged Young People (UK)

Schools, colleges and youth groups can receive up to 80% towards the costs of providing environmental outreach education for groups of disadvantaged young people through the Field Studies Council’s Kids Fund.

The Field Studies Council is an independent educational charity committed to raising awareness about the natural world and works through a network of residential and day Centres in the UK to provide outreach education and training. The funding is available to help young people aged 14 – 18 (25 for those with special needs) attend a course who may otherwise be excluded due to some form of disadvantage – health, mobility, deprivation or financial. One free staff/adult place is provided for every 12 young people; additional adults pay 20% +VAT. This includes all equipment, tuition and waterproof hire costs. Food and accommodation are included for residential courses.

The next closing date for applications is the 1st November 2017.

http://www.field-studies-council.org/about/fsc-kids-fund/applying-to-fsc-kids-fund.aspx

Holiday Grants for Children (UK)

Schools, youth groups, not for profit organisations and charities have until the 17th November 2017 to apply for grants of £500 to £2,500 to support recreational trips or holidays within the UK for groups of children experiencing disadvantage or who have disabilities.

Funded by the Henry Smith Charity, grants can cover up to two-thirds of the cost of a holiday or trip lasting one to seven days. In this round, trips must be taken before the end of December 2017. For more details and to apply, complete the eligibility quiz on the website and submit the application form online at least 6 weeks before the trip is due to take place.

Although the deadline is the 17th November 2017, decisions are made on a first come-first served basis until all the funds have been allocated.

http://www.henrysmithcharity.org.uk/holiday-grants-for-children.html

Funding for Christian Charities Promoting Social Inclusion (UK)

The Anchor Foundation provides grants of between £500 and £10,000 per year to Christian Charities that encourage social inclusion through ministries of healing and the arts. Funding can be awarded for up to three years.

The Foundation will consider applications for either capital or revenue funding. Only in exceptional circumstances will grants be given for building work.

Previously funded projects include:

The Karis Neighbour Scheme which received a grant of £700 for revenue costs at a drop-in centre for women refugees in Birmingham.

Discovery Camps which received a grant of £1500 to subsidise holidays for children arranged by churches in and around Dundee.

Scargill House which received a grant of £5,000 to facilitate cross cultural engagement and understanding amongst children using arts based residential courses in Yorkshire.

The next closing date for applications is the 31st January 2018.

http://www.theanchorfoundation.org.uk/

September 19, 2017
by I. Menzies
0 comments

University of Glasgow graduates produce documentary film to take action on climate change in Scotland

In a new documentary film called ‘Climate Change and Scotland’s Future’, University of Glasgow graduates Jenni O’Neill and Cameron Mackay put their degrees to use to look at how one of the biggest issues facing the country they grew up in could be tackled.

Through investigating what people can do to mitigate and prepare for the impacts of climate change in Scotland over coming decades, their journey takes them from Glasgow to South Uist and from National Nature Reserves to coastal towns.

From student expedition organiser and filmmaker, Cameron Mackay, this film aims to promote awareness of climate change adaptation and how we can come together nationally to set up a sustainable future. Cameron says, “I really hope, through showcasing our physical and social vulnerability to climate change and suggesting ways forward, we can start conversations between different people and organisations in Scotland to inspire action”.

The film will be released on the 21st September, to coincide with the Scottish Government’s Climate Week campaign, at a free screening event at the University of Strathclyde. Organised in partnership with Sustainable Strathclyde and with support from Vital Energi, the screening will take place in the Graham Hills Building, 50 Richmond Street, at 6pm and will feature a panel discussion with some of Scotland’s top climate change experts. Everyone from school pupils to university lecturers and all members of the public are welcome to attend! Tickets can be obtained on a first come first served basis from Sustainable Strathclyde. Thereafter the film will be available for free at http://www.explorersstories.org with an accompanying resource pack as well as on selected websites across Scotland.

LINKS

– Free Tickets:

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-change-and-scotlands-future-screening-a-climate-week-event-tickets-37537215823

Trailer:

 

August 25, 2017
by I. Menzies
0 comments

SCOTTISH FLIGHT – From Theory to Space

Lord Smith of Kelvin Lecture 2017

Lord Smith of Kelvin Lecture is an annual lecture with a Scottish perspective on aviation and innovation topics delivered at the University of Strathclyde by noted Scots who have previously been the recipient of a Baird of Bute Society Scottish Award. It was established by the Society and the University to honour Lord Smith of Kelvin who is both Patron of the Society and Chancellor of the University.

Date: Thursday 7 September 2017

Venue: University of Strathclyde, McCance Building

Lecture 1: Scotland’s William Leitch: Space Rocket Scientist

Dr Eleanor Campbell FRSC FinstP FRSE FRS

Chair of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh

Lecture 2: Scotland’s Contribution to Aviation and Aerospace

Dr Iain Gray CBE FRSE FREng

Director Aerospace, Cranfield University

Vice President, Royal Society of Edinburgh

Programme

5.30pm     Registration and Refreshments

6.00pm     Presentations

7.15pm     Networking Reception

8.00pm     Event Close

Baird of Bute Society Trust  recognises the achievements of Bute blacksmith, Andrew Blain Baird who, in 1910 recorded the “first attempted all Scottish heavier-than-air powered flight” in an aircraft of his own manufacture. The Society employs his example to inspire the youth of Scotland to aspire to achievement in their lives through awards and recognitions, school programmes, scholarships and the support of educational activities

Please register by Friday 1 September 2017: http://ewds.strath.ac.uk/expo/LordSmithofKelvinLecture.aspx

Enquiries to corporate-events@strath.ac.uk or 0141 548 2245

Download Lord Smith Lecture Invitation

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