STEM Assured - Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Nelson and Colne College awarded STEM Assured Status

“In addition to the admirable student-centred approach of the college, there is an emphasis on progression and pathways to STEM industries. Alongside effective links with employers there were many examples of good practice to ensure science and engineering courses related to industry and up-to-date practice. The Pre-Med programme, developed to support students considering careers and opportunities in the health and medical industries was highlighted and we urge the College to extend this model to other STEM areas”. Dr Sarah Peers, NEF’s Director of Programmes

Nelson and Colne College has been awarded STEM Assured® status by the New Engineering Foundation (NEF).

The standard recognises excellence in STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths) provision within the Further Education sector, with a particular focus on industry relevance and embedding STEM skills across a range of learning areas. STEM Assured® is recognised by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (UKCES) and The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS). The award reflects the Lancashire-based College’s determination to be at the forefront of STEM provision and meet the needs of local and national employers.

The Validation Panel, which included experts from FTSE 100 and leading high-technology companies, recommended that STEM Assured® should be the springboard to developing an explicit strategy for STEM across the College. In this way, the STEM Assured® process will lead to further improvements in a College already rated as Outstanding at its last OFSTED inspection.

The New Engineering Foundation (NEF), which created and manages STEM Assured®, is an charity and think-tank which focuses on improving vocational education through research, professional development, partnerships and organisational transformation. See www.thenef.org.uk

Outstanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics case studies

Nelson and Colne College has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and is particularly proud of its outstanding STEM students. Below is just a highlight of former students who will no doubt, go on to do great things in the STEM industries.

Science - Sally Goldsbrough

Sally joined Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form to study a challenging programme of A Levels including A Levels in Chemistry, Psychology and Biology, where she gained outstanding results ; 2 As and 1 B. She also completed to further AS awards in English Language and Literature and Drama and Theatre Studies, gaining 1 A and 1 B!

Her hard work and excellent grades meant that Sally was successful in gaining an offer to study Medicine at Keele University. She also won the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement at the College’s Annual Sixth Form Awards Ceremony.

Technology - Feizan Ulhaq

Feizan joined Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form after leaving Pendle Vale College. With ambitions of working in the computer games industry, he chose to study for a National Diploma in ICT. His hard work and dedication to his studies was awarded when he got the top grades for this course; trip Distinctions.

His tutors described him as a helpful and ambitious young man and he was consequently awarded the prize for Outstanding Achievement in ICT at the College's annual Sixth Form Awards Ceremony.

Feizan has now progressed to the University of Leeds where he is reading Computer Animation.

Engineering - Ben Rowan

Ben joined Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form from SS John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic Humanities College, choosing to study a challenging programme of A Levels including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Psychology.

After gaining outstanding results in his A Levels, including 3 As, a B and a C, he has progressed to Loughborough University, to read Mechanical Engineering. He also won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Physics at the College's annual Sixth Form Awards Ceremony.

Mathematics - Rose Pashley

Rose is a former pupil of Colne Park High School, who chose to study for A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and Economics. She achieved outstanding results; 3 A*s and 1 A!

She said, “At Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form, the Maths and Science departments are superb!” and she described her tutors as “supportive and inspirational!”

A talented mathematician, who gained 100% in her AS exams, Rose’s obvious talents, hard work and dedication mean that she has been able to take up her place to read Mathematics at the University of Oxford.