Focus on SETNET

Sue Brumpton

You may have already heard about SETNET, but it has been through a few changes recently which might be useful to those of us working with schoolchildren. SETNET is the Science Engineering Technology Mathematics Network and has 58 member organisations representing Government, industry, the engineering professional institutions, education and education charities.

SETNET has established SETPOINTS in the UK which operate as a focus for teachers, business and industry to obtain information about resources, schemes and initiatives concerned with science, engineering, technology and mathematics.

The SETPOINTS also have some money for the delivery of Science activities and this is where it is worth getting in touch. Each SETPOINT is different, but the Making Place is about to be sponsored by London Central and London West for the delivery of its core activities.

Andy Piggott of SETPOINT London West had this to say about working with science centres

"One major point about a Setpoint is that it is charged with knowing about what STEM activities go on in its patch, so a good knowledge of what a Hands-On Science Centre can offer is essential. As the Setpoint is the STEM point-of-reference for the area, this also means that the hands-on centre
then has another avenue for publicity about its services. Most often this will be free publicity, with Setpoints sending out newsletters, operating websites, making presentations to LEA STEM advisers, etc.

The DTI puts funds through Setpoints for STEM activities, which includes supporting deliverers with this publicity. The stated aim of the Setpoint
network is to "Enable every school pupil to experience a worthwhile STEM activity in every key stage of their education".

Once a Setpoint has analysed what is going on overall in their area it may be that there are imbalances, or complete holes in provision. Therefore, it may be that a Setpoint will approach a Hands-On Centre with a view to arranging special projects that address lack of provision. This might be projects in different key stages to normal or in different topic or subject areas.

How this is funded will vary tremendously but there is the DTI funding which is meant to help support or start up worthwhile STEM projects. There is nothing of course to stop a Hands-On Centre approaching the Setpoint!

Data collection is also a part of Setpoint work. That is, feeding back to government (via SETNET) the amounts of STEM activity in each area. Therefore, if you have analyses of numbers of pupils and the activities that they undertake this would be welcomed by the Setpoint. The Setpoint may also be able to help you identify topics/issues that are not yet being addressed.

Setpoints will also be managing SEAS (Science and Engineering Ambassadors)
and, as the Hands-On Centre may well have a lot of scientists and/or engineers who may be interested in outreach work, it would seem an obvious thing for both organisations to discuss any issues arising."

As the SETPOINTS are currently planning how to spend their money for the next financial year, my advice would be to get in touch now via their website www.setnet.org and lets see what we can produce.

Sue Brumpton is Director of The Making Place

Newsletter Spring 2002 Contents

Fabricators' Event 2001
Skagen Odde Natur Center, Denmark
Museums Service Placement
Accessing SETNET
Fossil workshop tips
Going free entry - what are its effects?
Scientists meet the public
BIG AGM 2001 Chair's Report