Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) enhances the confidence, skills and networks of primary school practitioners to ensure the delivery of high-quality, impactful and engaging science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.
RAiSE is delivered through a partnership of The Wood Foundation, Education Scotland, Scottish Government and participating local authorities to create motivating and inspiring STEM opportunities for young people. This will increase their understanding of the world we live and encourage them to use STEM skills and knowledge to become creative, resourceful and enterprising adults.
It is critical for the future economic and employment demands of Scotland as a STEM nation that every young person enjoys a positive experience of, and engagement with, high quality science education in primary school – teacher training and confidence is critical to this success.
Each of the participating RAiSE local authorities has a Primary Science Development Officer (PSDO) who promotes and builds upon existing curricular opportunities and offerings, develops local science networks and delivers training to practitioners.
An external evaluation of RAiSE found the work of the PSDOs is having a positive impact on the achievement of educational priorities. The report highlights RAiSE is delivering highly-effective professional learning and creating system and educational change which increases attainment.
Due to the success of the pilot, there is now a national invitation for local authorities across Scotland to embark upon the programme on a rolling basis. Key delivery partners for RAiSE include the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre and Association of Directors of Education in Scotland.
For more information on RAiSE, please contact National Education Officer for Primary Science Gayle Duffus.
Strengthening STEM foundations
Engagements with practitioners since 2017
