5 reasons to try… Science Museum Group Academy

Here’s how you and your colleagues can receive free, quality CPD from a trusted institution with plenty of knowledge and experience to share…

30 Second Briefing

The Science Museum Group Academy offers research-informed training and resources for teachers, museum staff, STEM professionals and others involved in STEM communication and learning. Its sessions are available free for UK primary and secondary teachers, and can take place either in-person or online.

1. Experience in STEM engagement

The Science Museum Group (SMG) has delivered STEM engagement training for over 25 years.

Drawing on its research and experience of engaging audiences in STEM subjects across five museums, as well as its outreach activities and events beyond the museum doors, the SMG Academy is well equipped to deliver training and supporting resources to help you engage students in the study of STEM.

All of its courses are founded on its approach to learning and engagement, and are shaped by evidence gathered from audience and academic research.

2. Free sessions for UK educators

Whether you choose to attend in person at one of the group’s museums or participate in an online session, you can access inspiring and supportive CPD – all for free, thanks to the funding the Academy receives.

This includes all materials needed for the sessions – even lunch, if you’re attending one of the full-day, in-person sessions.

3. Upcoming courses in 2023

The in-person ‘Science Engagement’ course is due to take place on multiple dates at the Science Museum (London) and the Science and Industry Museum (Manchester). Participants will get to try new techniques and discuss ideas for planning inspiring STEM experiences with their students.

Also new for 2023 is the ‘Exploration and Discovery Clubs’ session, at which those taking part will learn how to run an engaging discovery club.

The online session ‘Creating Engaging Learning Experiences’, meanwhile, will take place in March, where the group will be sharing top tips for creating engaging lessons. Book your place online at sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/academy.

“Wherever you are, you’ll be able to access some of the best CPD the sector has to offer.”

4. Online or in-person

The group’s training is available to all teachers in the UK. There are dedicated training hubs at the museums in London, York, Bradford, Shildon (County Durham) and Manchester, in addition to other locations and venues across the country.

There are also shorter online courses available aimed at teachers, so that wherever you are, you’ll be able to access some of the best CPD the sector has to offer.

5. Online resources

The SMG’s offer for schools additionally includes a wide range of high quality free resources. These have been developed using insights from its work across a wide range of projects and activities with different audiences, and are designed to support learning and engagement in the classroom and beyond.

They can be downloaded for free at sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/resources.

For more information, email smgacademy@sciencemuseum.ac.uk or visit sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/academy.