Imperial has received an award for its primary science CPD resources developed in partnership with digital education company Twig World Ltd.

Known as ‘Reach Out CPD’, the web-based programme is championed by Imperial’s Professor of Science and Society Professor Lord Robert Winston, and provides teachers with continuing professional development (CPD) resources and ideas to support their teaching and engage primary school children across the UK in the wonder of science. 

Since its launch in October 2014, more than 7,000 teachers have signed up for Reach Out CPD. The resource is currently being used in more than 4,000 schools across the country. 

The award was presented to Twig and Imperial as part of the Bett Awards’ Free Digital Content/Open Educational Resources category. Announced on Wednesday 20 January, the awards recognise, reward and promote excellence in education technology. 

Sharing the wonder

Professor Maggie Dallman, Associate Provost (Academic Partnerships) said: “Imperial is committed to sharing the wonder of what we do and inspiring a passion for science throughout society. Through Reach Out CPD, we aim to support primary school teachers - providing knowledge and tools and enhancing their confidence so that they can more readily deliver outstanding science lessons. 

“We aim to help teachers nurture the curiosity of young people, raise aspirations, and inspire the scientists of tomorrow. It is very gratifying to see this important work recognised by the Bett Awards.” 

The news comes as Imperial moves to invest £3.5m in Twig World Ltd to enhance STEM education across the world. 

Announced at London’s Education World Forum, the largest gathering of education and skills ministers from around the world, the partnership will include the creation of professional development resources for secondary STEM teachers, as part of Twig’s STEM Improvement Programme (SIP). 

SIP is a comprehensive range of resources and training to transform the teaching of STEM in countries accross the world, by providing secondary school teachers with the training and tools to teach the problem-solving, contextual learning, analytical and higher order thinking skills advocated by the PISA - the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment.  

Professor Dallman said: Through harnessing the passion and creativity of Imperial’s world-leading academics, and Twig’s digital education expertise, we hope to support science education on a global scale”