Taken from the NFEC October Newsletter. For more information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 01254 720650
NFEC comments: This could be a very useful activity for Diploma or other learners seeking to provide evidence of success in the communication aspects of Functional Skills!



The Leaders Award, at Primary, Secondary and Advanced levels is an excellent means of providing experiential learning with rewards
Experiential learning is recognised as a key ingredient for providing students with a link between academic achievement and the self-confidence which the 21st century demands. Giving students the opportunities to meet professionals in the world of work, discuss their career and inspiration is, we would all agree, the way forward in motivating pupils.

The Leaders Award is one of the Primary Engineer programmes.  The organisation has established itself as the core programme linking primary and secondary design technology, practical science and maths.  With pupils spanning KS1, 2 & 3 the opportunity to positively affect pupils choices at KS4 was intentional and working with even older students has been a bonus.  Many older pupils were already working with primary pupils guiding their learning - supporting STEM, acting as ambassadors and leaders representing their school or college.  Primary Engineer felt that what was missing was the link to industry - career advice from those that know, those that are doing it!
We have all had that feeling, asking someone what they do for a living and being regaled by a career we would have loved to have followed - we could have done that job if we had only known it existed!  So how do students who may be interested in a career in Engineering or Science discover the diversity of careers and career paths open to them….they have to meet people and ask them!

The Leaders Award for STEM is open to 5-19yr olds and is free, it requires students to apply for the post of Leader for STEM. The letter should detail how they aim to help others, what their interests are and what they are currently aiming to do.  To complete the award they are to interview a professional from a STEM background.  Primary Engineer can link the college or student to the National STEM Ambassadors programme, or they can use their initiative, approach local industry and politely ask if they would agree to be interviewed.
The STEM Ambassadors programme of Scientists, Technologists, Engineers and Mathematicians is populated with professionals at all levels of the career ladder, in all the vast and mystifying complexity of careers this world of STEM offers.  So those students who have only a vague idea of what they want to do can dip their toe in the water and the more they talk, write and submit interviews, the more careers they can discover. A student may submit as many interviews as they wish.

Articles submitted to the Leaders Award are shared with organisations and published.  Over the next year many of the Institutions and organisations behind STEM will be offering special awards to the best interviews and applications.  WISE (Women in Science Engineering and Construction) have offered a special award for the best female interview of a female STEM professional.  Prizes for the special awards will be CV building events, meeting leading professionals, days in industry or receiving certificates at special events. The special sponsor section of the website will hold more and more of these awards over the next year.
To find out more about this unique program of STEM related activities visit http://www.leadersaward.com  - to discover the way primary and secondary teachers are working together to raise standards and aspirations of pupils