The STEMNET Awards, held at the House of Lords last week, celebrate organisations and individuals who inspire youngsters to develop STEM skills and encourage them to explore career options.
Anthony Vaughan-Evans, head of maths at Benjamin Britten School in Suffolk, won the award for most dedicated STEM teacher.
As well as changing the way key stage 3 maths is taught at his school and linking the subject to real-life situations, he organises visits to local employers and works with them to run STEM competitions for pupils.
He said: “As a school we are passionate that STEM subjects are taught in context. Our students have had more positive individual outcomes, and results have improved. We have had a lot of support from our county maths advisor and it is fantastic that what we have been doing in Suffolk has been recognised nationally.”
Meanwhile, Philip Avery, associate head at Bohunt School in Hampshire, won the inaugural Joan Sjovoll award for inspirational STEM leadership.
He has launched challenges, trips and a STEM festival that attracted more than 40 exhibitors.
The prize for the most dedicated STEM club went to Woodmill High School in Dunfermline, whose lunchtime club sent more teams to its regional Big Bang Fair than any other school in the area.
STEMNET chief executive Kirsten Bodley said: “STEM subjects are vital for securing the future of our economic prosperity and there are calls across government, industry and academia for more young people who are conversant, competent or skilled in STEM.”
All the winners will receive a trip to CERN in Switzerland, home of the Large Hadron Collider. Visit www.stemnet.org.uk
CAPTIONS: Super STEM: Winners (from top) Anthony Vaughan-Evans, Philip Avery, and Woodmill High School