This report by the Education Endowment Foundation looks at the efficacy of the Generation STEM (Gen STEM) work experience placement intervention for Year 10 students, which aims to develop students’ life skills and interest in STEM subjects.
By increasing students’ ability to see the relevance of schoolwork to their future careers and motivation to engage in school, the programme also aims to raise students’ attainment in mathematics and science.
The programme includes a work experience preparation day, nominated student interviews by a panel of local employers and post-interview debrief. Five nominated students undertake one-week STEM-related work experience placement and receive post-work experience feedback. The programme was delivered by CSW Group in partnership with Graphic Science, STEM NOW and participating local employers.
It was found that children in Generation STEM schools made the equivalent of 0 months’ additional progress in mathematics and science; and children eligible for Free School Meals in Generation STEM schools made the equivalent of one month’s additional progress in mathematics and science although the latter is based on a small subgroup of pupils and there is considerable uncertainty around the result.
There was no evidence in the secondary outcome data that Generation STEM had an impact on students’ attendance in Year 11, uptake of STEM-related subjects at A-level, ability to make future decisions or attitudes to STEM, life and school.