Riddlesdown High School in south London is taking steps to encourage pupils to study science, maths and technology. The programme follows a workshop in which pupils participate in a role-play exercise. Pupils take on the role of members of a local residents association to discuss a proposal to build a pharmaceutical plant in their neighbourhood. The pupils have to weigh up the pros and cons of the proposal, considering the benefits the plans could bring to the economic wellbeing of the community against potentially negative issues such as environmental disruption. Staff meanwhile discuss the challenges of teaching the value of STEM subjects, when staff feel ill-equipped to educate pupils about opportunities in science-related careers.

Video Series: STEM Subject Choice and Careers
Release Date 2009