Inspiring Futures: STEM Career Opportunities and STEM Career Neurodiversity Week

At Nottingham High Infant and Junior School, we believe that a passion for learning is ignited when students can connect their classroom experiences with the wider world. Over the years, our STEM Career Days have become a cornerstone of this vision, providing pupils with the opportunity to explore the breadth of opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Now, as we prepare for the first-ever STEM and Neurodiversity Week in May, we are excited to share our approach, successes, and aspirations, offering a roadmap for other schools looking to widen participation and foster inclusivity in STEM education.

The Nottingham Approach: STEM Career Opportunities

Over the past few years, our STEM Career opportunities have been designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring pupils by showcasing real-world applications of STEM subjects. Our approach includes:

• Industry Collaboration: Partnering with local businesses and professionals, including East Midlands Airport, Water Aid, Batfast, Packaging 24, CPMG Architects, and Bond Bryan, has fostered a consultative approach similar to a ‘Dragons’ Den’ scenario. These businesses have helped to bring STEM careers to life through interactive workshops, engaging talks, and hands-on demonstrations.
• Widening Participation: Recognising the importance of collaboration particularly with local state schools where we have hosted a Primary Maths Masterclass series on behalf of the Royal Institution, working with 5 local primary schools and enabling our Sixth Form students to help deliver the sessions.
• Hands-On Learning: Pupils engage in practical activities from a wide range of professionals with the engagement from our parent body, examples include a Gaming Developer, Neurologist, GMV Engineers, Software Product Managers and a Biochemist. These sessions encourage critical thinking and creativity, key skills for any future STEM professional.

Impact and Outcomes

The results of our STEM Career opportunities speak volumes about the power of these experiences:

• Building Confidence: Pupils leave with a greater understanding of STEM careers and the confidence to envision themselves in these roles. For many, hearing directly from professionals has been transformative.
• Recognition and Achievement: 111 Year 6 pupils have earned the Bronze CREST Award, tackling challenges related to AI and sustainability.
• Cross-School Collaboration: Partnering with state schools has fostered meaningful connections between pupils from different backgrounds, promoting collaboration and shared learning.
• National School Awards:

2023: Muddy Stilettoes – Finalist for the most dynamic STEM programme

2023- TT Education Winner – Community Collaboration Award

2024 – CDI Winner – Best Careers Programme (pre 16 Education)

2024 – Shortlisted for Education Business Awards

Looking Ahead: STEM and Neurodiversity Week

Building on the success of our STEM Career Days, we are proud to announce our first STEM and Neurodiversity Week this May. This initiative reflects our commitment to making STEM accessible and inspiring for all pupils, not just the high achievers. We will challenge the stereotypes linked to people with neurodiversity, and showcase to our children, that there are no limits or boundaries in the world of STEM. This week will include:

• Celebrating Neurodiversity in STEM: Through workshops and talks, we aim to highlight the unique contributions of neurodiverse individuals in STEM fields. Pupils will hear from professionals who have thrived in STEM careers while navigating challenges such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD.
• Tailored Workshops: Activities will be designed to engage pupils with different learning styles, ensuring inclusivity. For example, hands-on experiments, visual learning tools, and collaborative problem-solving sessions will cater to a range of needs.
• Parent and Teacher Engagement: We recognise the vital role of parents and teachers in supporting neurodiverse pupils. The week will include sessions for parents and teachers, offering strategies for fostering confidence and curiosity in STEM. A quote from GMV last year encapsulates what we are trying to achieve. “We’re here from engineering, but for parents from across different industries to come into school and give these children a bigger view of what is possible, is such a valuable experience.’’

What Other Schools Can Learn

For schools considering similar initiatives, we offer the following reflections from our journey:

1. Collaborate Widely: Engage local businesses, universities, and parents as partners. Their expertise and enthusiasm bring STEM subjects to life in ways the classroom cannot.
2. Prioritise Inclusivity: Diversity in role models matters. Be intentional in showcasing professionals from varied backgrounds to inspire all pupils.
3. Make It Hands-On: Interactive sessions help pupils develop practical skills and confidence while deepening their understanding of STEM concepts.
4. Celebrate Uniqueness: Recognise and celebrate the strengths of neurodiverse pupils, offering tailored activities that enable them to shine.
5. Measure Impact: Track participation and outcomes to identify what works and share successes with your community.

A Vision for the Future

At Nottingham High Infant and Junior School, our commitment to STEM education is driven by a belief in the potential of every pupil to contribute meaningfully to the world of tomorrow. By combining innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration, we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

We invite other schools to join us on this journey. Together, we can open doors to STEM careers, celebrate diversity, and create a future where every child sees themselves as a creator and problem-solver.

Let’s inspire the future, together.