Why learner identity is key to successful science lessons | Sponsored

Supporting young people as they begin to engage with and understand a subject is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher. The way students form their own identity as learners, it is argued, can have a profound impact on attainment and future prospects.   But when it comes to science, with a curriculum full of abstract topics and historically lacking in diverse representation, how can teachers ensure that all students form a real connection to the subject?   In this edition of the Tes podcast, senior editor Simon Lock meets two educators who are boosting engagement in science through developing a sense of learner identity.  Genevieve Bent. Genevieve is Assistant Principal and former Head of Science who has a particularly interest in Diversity & Equity within STEM subjects. She is founder of Young Gifted and STEM, an initiative designed to improve the experiences and engagement of Black and Ethnic Minority young people with STEM subjects.    Martin Saunders is Key Stage 3 Lead for the science department at Chichester High School. Over the past year, Martin has been working with Oxford University Press, trialling a new science curriculum with his year 7 and 8 classes.  Listen to the episode to hear the conversations in full. This podcast is sponsored by Oxford Smart Activate, a newly-launched curriculum service for Key Stage 3 Science, published by Oxford University Press.   Oxford Smart Activate gives you an evidence-based curriculum, and connects it with resources, assessment, next steps and professional development - powered by Kerboodle - enabling you to provide a personalised and adaptive pathway for each of your students.  Find out more about Oxford Smart Activate