New quality standard supports teachers with reflection activities
We’re proud to announce the launch of the latest Neon quality standard! The new quality benchmark asks Neon activity providers to include a follow-on activity for teachers to use with students after their STEM experience.
The new standard asks everyone with an activity on Neon to “support teachers in enabling young people to reflect on the content of the Neon experience they have taken part in after the activity.”
Neon hosts and showcases activities that teachers can trust. The new commitment sits alongside existing quality benchmarks such as raising aspirations for primary and secondary students, being inclusive of all young people, continuous improvement and more.
Including a reflection session aims to deepen young people’s understanding by asking young people to consider what knowledge and skills they have gained. This supports students to look back on their activity and reinforce their learning.
Our team works hard to make sure Neon activities support teachers to deliver top-quality STEM inspiration. The update to the quality standards is the result of discussion with providers hosting activities on Neon. A collaborative approach was taken to ensure the quality standards remain relevant for teachers’ needs, as well as supporting the STEM outreach community.
Our team spoke to and surveyed teachers ahead of the new standard being created. 87% of teachers and educators said that follow-up activities were important to reinforcing the impact of the initial experience. Activity providers have also welcomed the change, recognising the value it brings to their work and to the young people that take part.
The team is also here every step of the way for providers. As part of the rollout, providers have access to reflection activity templates – including worksheets and sample questions to suit diverse classroom needs.
Dan Powell, Head of Neon commented on the launch of the new standard:
“It’s a pleasure to launch the new quality standard for Neon. It’s a result of months of hard work and consultation with our valued activity providers. The team and I are excited to see the impact of the new standard on young people’s confidence and passion for STEM after their Neon experience.
We're here to support providers every step of the way to get them up to speed with the new quality standard. With resources, drop ins and upcoming case studies, we're confident that means they will be able to easily fulfill the new standard.”
It’s a pleasure to launch the new quality standard for Neon. It’s a result of months of hard work and consultation with our valued activity providers. The team and I are excited to see the impact of the new standard on young people’s confidence and passion for STEM after their Neon experience.
— Dan Powell, Head of Neon, EngineeringUK
