Connected by curiosity - Storytale Festival

Bristol is renowned for its creative, playful, and pioneering innovations – we are not afraid to lead the way. In fact, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are at the heart of our West of England region. That is why Curiosity Connections was established in 2017. Our local network showcases the Best of the West to the innovators of tomorrow – our youngest citizens in their first decade of life. An inspirational science education at primary school is vital for society - boosting the future of our STEM industries and powering a thriving UK economy. However, many children will have no knowledge of adults who work or have worked in STEM careers, which gives them very little science capital. Science capital is based on the idea of social capital – that all of us have differing amounts of cultural beliefs, values, qualifications and experiences, which we gather from our families and lives, and determine our value in careers and social situations. This can have a significant impact on children’s aspirations regarding STEM careers, as children’s attitudes towards science are largely formed before age 13. STEM industries are experiencing a surge in demand for skilled employees, and yet there are huge diversity issues in these careers. Women account for only 11% of engineers and 23% of the STEM workforce, while 7% of engineers come from Black and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds. Similarly, Bristol is a divided city in its workforce, as many people from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds are not accessing the highly skilled jobs available in the region. However, many primary teachers find it difficult to support these topics, as only 5% have a higher qualification in science. In order to change this, Curiosity Connections aims to support primary school teachers, science communicators, education providers, and people working in STEM industries in order to inspire primary STEM learning in the Bristol region. Led by UWE Bristol, the network brings together the STEM Ambassador Hub West of England, the University of Bristol, Bristol Learning City, the Association for Science Education West, We The Curious, Aerospace Bristol, Tomorrow’s Engineers, MOD Defence Equipment and Support, and Atkins Global. Through a free website, newsletter, and annual conference, we offer: • Shared experiences for local primary teachers and STEM Ambassadors • Signposting to STEM Ambassador toolkits and training, and teacher CPD • Regional curriculum and activity ideas • Stories and events to enrich professional learning Together we are stronger, and that is why we want to connect all the major players in the region inspiring the innovators of the future. How can we make a difference to your work? And how can you make a difference to us?