Guidelines for developing STEM School – Business/Industry Partnerships is a new resource to support schools and businesses and enterprise to kick-start engagement and develop long-lasting and sustainable partnerships. The guidelines were developed by the Department of Education and Skills in conjunction with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Science Foundation Ireland the IDA, Ibec, American Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Ireland.
They include:
- Benefits for learning for children should be central to the partnership.
- There should be clear, tangible links to the curriculum.
- Industry must adhere to any relevant codes of practice in the school, including child protection, health and safety and GDPR.
- A teacher must be present at all times during interaction between children and business.
- The focus should be on transfer of skills and expertise with activities which are interactive, inclusive and appropriate for the audience.
- STEM projects should tap into what young people want – eg climate action; helping people with disabilities.
- The whole school community should buy-in to the partnership with the engagement highlighted online, among parents and the local community.
- One teacher should be the point of contact.
- Industry should be proactive in contacting schools and appoint an education liaison team or person and also provide financial support, like seed funding.
- Industry should also work to engage with parents as well as children and consider using mentors.
- Business should also be willing to connect using technology if travel distances are long.
- Businesses should ensure there is a balance of women and men engaged in the partnership and also employees from diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
The guidelines and accompanying online toolkit provide the basis for both primary and post-primary schools and business/industry to form quality, inclusive and relevant educational links, which are aimed at improving the STEM/Digital learning experience and secure enhanced outcomes for all learners.
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