Hands on Science is an all Wales HEFCW funded project working in partnership with Welsh Colleges, universities, other higher Education institutions and outside providers. It is part of the Reaching Wider Welsh Assembly Government initiative.

The projects main aim is to promote, enthuse and increase the number of pupils studying Science, Maths and Health related subjects beyond GCSE and on to further and higher education.

The Hands on Science project responds positively to the Future Skills Wales Survey and the recent Welsh Assembly Government’s A Science Policy for Wales, (2006). The policy highlights a severe and growing skills gap in Wales and refers to Reaching Wider and the interactive work of First Campus as engaging young people in Science and technology.

There is a need to increase the number of people studying science subjects post-16. This includes progression to higher education and also improving the academic achievements in sciences at GCSE. A particular Reaching Wider interest involves working with pupils and adults from groups currently under-represented in higher education.

The objective of this Project is to encourage more people to study science subjects, from Key Stage 4 through to higher education. This means encouraging the study of science subjects beyond GCSE level – into higher education as well as further education vocational pathways.

An important aspect of the Hands on Science project is the collaboration of Welsh HEIs in ensuring that pupils and adults have access to comprehensive information on the full range of science subjects that can be studied at FE and HE levels throughout Wales. The project aims to be accessible to all Key Stage 4 pupils in Wales through its website. The website will bring together comprehensive information about science related courses offered by Welsh FECs and HEIs. It aims to provide “independent and impartial information, advice and guidance to young people and adults, in accordance with the individual’s interests”, (A Science Policy for Wales, WAG, 2006, page 24).

Hands on Science is a Reaching Wider initiative and will be targeting all four Reaching Wider target areas, but its main focus will be the Communities First areas in Wales.

Reaching Wider Targets: People from Community First areas - The project will take place with schools, FE colleges and community groups that draw on Community First catchment areas.

People who wish to study wholly or partly through the medium of Welsh - Events / Activities, community group discussions will be offered bilingually. Information will be gathered and made available via the ‘Hands on Science’ Blog providing details of courses and subjects taught in Welsh HEIs through the medium of Welsh.

People with disabilities - The project will develop inclusiveness for people with disabilities. The BLOG is a highly accessible resource for people with disabilities, for example deaf pupils.

People from minority ethnic communities - The project will particularly target schools with high numbers of minority ethnic pupils. Community events will include provision in minority ethnic communities and settings such as mosques and community centres.