Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) empowers practitioners with the confidence, skills and networks to deliver high-quality, impactful and engaging science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education.
RAiSE is a programme of The Wood Foundation, Education Scotland, Scottish Government, and participating local authorities which supports the development of motivating and inspiring STEM opportunities for young people to increase their understanding of the world we live, encouraging them to use STEM skills and knowledge to become creative, resourceful, and enterprising.
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.
Authorities currently funded through RAiSE:
Authorities who have exited RAiSE funding, continuing to engage with Primary STEM development:
Read our latest RAiSE newsletter here.
For more information on RAiSE, please contact National Education Officer for Primary Science Gayle Duffus.
Strengthening STEM foundations
17,543
Practitioner engagements in RAiSE activities
(Early Years’, Primary, Secondary and Specialist provision)
7,522
Establishment engagements in RAiSE activities
785
Cluster engagements in RAiSE activities
1,529
Professional learning events delivered
(Early Years’, Primary, Secondary and Specialist provision)
55,688
Professional learning hours delivered through RAiSE activities
