Education Scotland are delighted to announce that The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has become the 300th setting to register for the STEM Nation Award programme. This now means that over 8500 practitioners and 116 000 learners across Scottish early learning and childcare settings, primary schools, secondary schools, special schools and community learning and development providers are benefitting from the programme.

Education Scotland’s STEM Nation Award is a key component of the Scottish Government’s STEM Education and Training Strategy for Scotland. The prestigious award for sciences, technologies, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education celebrates, promotes and builds on effective STEM practice across Scotland. All settings registered for the programme are committed to providing high-quality STEM learning experiences to ensure their learners develop the STEM skills, knowledge and capabilities required to adapt and thrive in a rapidly-changing world. To achieve the award settings share evidence of their practice across five key elements: Leadership in STEM, STEM family and community learning, Employability and STEM partnership working, STEM curriculum and learner pathways and Equity and equality in STEM. Settings are then encouraged to develop a STEM nation action plan to support and inform future developments in STEM education.

Further details of the award’s five elements and guidance on how to register for more information and support for your setting can be found on Education Scotland’s STEM online resource.

 

We spoke to Phillip Mathis, Learning Manager at RZSS about why his organisation chose to participate in the STEM Nation Award programme.

 

Who are we?

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision – a world where nature is protected valued and loved. And our two zoos, Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are at the heart of this – allowing us to develop deeper connections with nature.

 

Why have we registered?

Taking part in the STEM Nation Award programme allows RZSS to evidence and showcase our commitment to learning and promoting STEM. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are fundamental to many of the roles within our conservation wildlife charity – from geneticist to carpenter, ranger to conservation project officer.

 

What ways can teachers or community groups engage with RZSS?

We are always keen to support the knowledge and development of teachers, other CLD providers and associated professionals. We are busy planning our CPD programme for 2025 and will be able to share these details soon. However, should you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to our discovery and learning team via education@rzss.org.uk

 

Do you have any available resources that can be used to support STEM learning?

Yes, our online learning platform ZOOdle (learning.rzss.org.uk) is free to access and contains a wealth of virtual and downloadable content that can support families, individuals and professionals to connect with nature and learn more about our charity.

 

Where can people find out more about RZSS?

Our website www.rzss.org.uk and we are on all major social media platforms.

 

We also had the opportunity to meet Blair Cockburn and Jessica Lilley on a visit to Edinburgh Zoo to find out how the local residents felt about being involved in the STEM Nation Award programme. Turns out that meerkats are interested in meteorology, penguins love Pythagoras and flamingos are fans of food technology. Who knew!?!

     

 

The STEM team at Education Scotland would like to extend their gratitude to the RZSS not only for registering for the CLD award but also for their endorsement as a STEM Nation Award supporter. In their supporter role, the RZSS help to promote the STEM Nation Award programme and, where appropriate, encourage their partners and stakeholders to register their own settings for the programme. If you are part of a government funded programme, third-sector provider or not-for-profit organisation and would like to become a STEM Nation Award supporter please contact our team at STEM@educationscotland.gov.uk