News about the future of the Centre Dear Colleagues, I write with news about Science Learning Centre North East. I am sure you are aware that a new science learning network will be operating from 1st August 2013 - 31st March 2015. As the statement below indicates, Durham University has taken the very difficult decision not to be involved in the new network. We are disappointed but, as the statement makes clear, this is purely for financial reasons, as the funding available was greatly reduced, making it very difficult to maintain a viable Centre. We very much appreciate the support Science Learning Centre North East has received since opening in 2005. As the statement indicates, we have worked with thousands of teachers and about one thousand technicians. In total about 10000 individuals have participated in SLCNE-led courses over the last eight years. We are proud of our record for delivering consistently high quality professional development in an excellent environment. Responsibility for professional development in the North region will transfer to Sheffield Hallam University from 1st August. We will work with them to ensure a smooth handover. We will be in touch again soon with details of an event to celebrate the work of Science Learning Centre North East at which we hope your school/ college can be represented. Best wishes, Vanessa Kind Director. STATEMENT AS FOLLOWS: Science Learning Centre North East In March 2013, Durham University, as the current operator of the Science Learning Centre North East (SLCNE), was invited to participate as a Regional Provider within a revised MyScience network until 2015. This followed the Department for Education’s decision earlier in the year to renew its relationship with MyScience to run the national Science Learning Centre network and the selection of Sheffield Hallam University as the Regional Operator for the North of England under MyScience’s revised delivery framework. After extensive internal consultation and assessment, Durham University decided that it would not seek to continue to host and manage the SLCNE and that it would transfer responsibility to Sheffield Hallam University when its MyScience contract concludes on the 31st July 2013. This difficult decision was not a reflection on SLCNE’s performance, reputation or impact, but based on an evaluation of the viability of the new contractual framework within which we would be working. The new contract was not considered to be able to provide the SLCNE with the necessary resources to sustain, maintain and develop its activities in the manner consistent with Durham University’s ethos of world-class, research-led education. Since its launch in 2005, the SLCNE has directly benefited the region’s science teachers, technicians and school pupils, providing high-quality training, support and guidance. The SLCNE has delivered over 2,000 days of training in Chemistry and Physics alone and directly engaged with over 5,000 secondary teachers, 6,000 primary teachers and 1000 technicians. The Centre has also run a range of extremely successful outreach activities, ranging from the Kit Club (a primary science equipment loan scheme) and the award-winning Climate Change Schools Project to the annual Christmas Lectures programme. In the process of making this decision, Durham University wish to highlight and praise the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the Centre’s staff since its establishment, and the substantial support, involvement and contribution of all the SLCNE’s partner schools, colleges and organisations. The University will be working closely with MyScience and Sheffield Hallam University to ensure a smooth transition to new arrangements from 1st August 2013 and remains committed to directly interacting with schools and science teachers across the North East through our innovative science outreach programmes. Professor Robin Coningham Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Faculty of Social Sciences & Health
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:06:33 +0000
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