Raising Achievement Together – a vision for European schools Erasmus Project

Project Title

Raising Achievement Together – a vision for European schools

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for school education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Natural sciences; Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills; ICT – new technologies – digital competences

Project Summary

The focus of this project is on issues surrounding take-up of STEM subjects in schools. The development of STEM subjects across the curriculum is a Europe-wide priority. As highlighted in the application, research and statistics show there are significant challenges facing the subject within the educational sphere and this is having a direct follow-on impact on the skills needed for jobs in the STEM sector of the economy. There are widespread shortages in almost all technical jobs, including ICT professionals, mathematicians and physicists; there aren’t enough maths and physics teachers and a startling gender gap with much fewer girls choosing STEM subjects. The issues facing STEM subjects are recognised in official government policy in all three regions participating in RATE including the Welsh Goverment’s ‘Science for Wales – A strategic agenda for science and innovation in Wales’. In light of these challenges, the RATE project has provided a valuable insight into how STEM is approached at primary and secondary levels wthin three European countries (UK, Spain and Poland).

There are 14 partner organisations involved in RATE and all have played a key role in delivering the project’s activities. Cardiff Council as the lead beneficiary has overseen the overall coordination of the project, however – as set out in the application – each region has its own coordinating parter which has facililated the management aspects of the project.

Aims of the project included:
1. Design and development of STEM activities that are both innovative and motivational
2. Utilisation of the knowledge and experiences of our young learners to identify areas for development and improvement
3. Involvement of young learners in the development of STEM activities
4. Promotion of engagement in STEM activities with families and the wider community
5. Encouragement of teamwork and collaboration as one of the basic pillars in the STEM environment
6. Widen participation in these project activities locally, nationally and internationally

One of the first exercises undertaken was a baseline assessment. This initial assessment – conducted by the young people involved in the project – enabled partners to assess initial responses to the subjects and aspirations around future careers. This piece of work was used by schools as a starting point from which to develop and design new approaches to teaching STEM in schools.

Through RATE 3 x Student Exchanges and 3 x Teacher Training weeks have been organised, one in each participating country. In addition, a number of Project Management meetings have taken place as well as several Multiplier Events (including local and overseas delegates) which promoted the project to a wider network of schools and stakeholders.

Towards the end of the project, Good Practice Guidelines have been produced. This tangible output is relevant and transferable to schools and other organisations in any region or country facing similar challenges – whether in the EU, Europe or beyond.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 236745,95 Eur

Project Coordinator

COUNTY COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF CARDIFF & Country: UK

Project Partners

• Cadoxton Primary
• Warszawskie Centrum Innowacji Edukacyjno-Spolecznych i Szkolen
• CFR de Ferrol
• CPI de Atios
• IES Fraga do Eume
• MIASTO STOLECZNE WARSZAWA
• IES As Telleiras