500 British Aerospace engineers will be trained to work with schools and colleges to help deliver curriculum materials and present engineering in a stimulating and imaginative way. These engineers will be sent out to schools and colleges that apply for this service but will be limited to schools within easy travelling distance of BAe plants. This initiative, which has been run as a pilot scheme for several years in the West Midlands and the South of England, was launched as a national scheme in July 1999. It aims to support the design and technology curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2 by setting up partnerships between local engineering companies and primary schools so that children and teachers can visit companies and the engineering staff are able to visit the schools to help children with their classroom activities. Schools are expected to devise projects of course work lasting at least 4 weeks highlighting the role of maths in the lives of their students.
Financial help is given for in-service training of primary maths teachers.
Schools must obtain matching funding from local businesses. The scheme is particularly keen to encourage applications from teachers in Primary schools, and scientists and engineers from industry. The application process is simple and there are two grant rounds each year in February and October. For schools in London and the South East, the scheme has an Outreach Officer who is able to offer advice and guidance throughout the application process and, if successful, during the project being funded. This scheme is being supported by Esso UK plc and the Mercers' Company.