Connecting Classrooms to Careers: Ryders Hayes Teacher Joins European STEM Innovation Project!

Primary Learning Trust is delighted to share exciting news from Berlin, where Mrs Raxworthy-Cooper, a dedicated teacher from Ryders Hayes Primary School, recently took part in a significant European education initiative: the "STEM Jobs for the Future" project.

This project, organised by Science on Stage Germany, aims to help children understand how their learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) links directly t

o real-world careers. Many children often find it difficult to see the wider purpose of STEM subjects and how they connect to emerging fields such as sustainability, AI and big data. The project seeks to embed continuous career awareness directly into everyday STEM education.

Collaboration Across the Continent

Mrs Raxworthy-Cooper travelled to Berlin on Friday 7th November for the first of two mandatory in-person meetings. During her visit, she sent warm greetings back to the children of 4R and the wider Ryders Hayes community.

Across the three-day event (7th–9th November), she joined 23 science teachers from primary and secondary schools across Europe. Day two involved intensive collaboration and idea-sharing with colleagues from Poland, Germany, Romania, France, Italy, Finland, Greece and Portugal. It was a valuable opportunity to learn from a diverse team of international educators.

Focus on Water and Sustainability

The project will run for approximately 1.5 years, during which participants will work in teams to exchange best practice and develop innovative digital resources.

On the final day of the conference (Sunday 9th November), each team presented its project outcomes. The team that includes Ryders Hayes is focusing on two essential areas:

1. How we use water on planet Earth

2. How we can look after this precious resource

This work links directly to STEM Jobs for the Future connected with water management and sustainability.

Creating the Resources of Tomorrow

The overarching aim of the initiative is to produce high-quality digital teaching materials that support the integration of career awareness into STEM lessons. These resources will include a range of interactive and engaging elements to support teaching and learning.

They may include:

• Project-based learning modules

• Escape games

• Podcasts, quizzes and apps

• Downloadable worksheets and teaching units

• Background information for teachers

What Happens Next?

Mrs Raxworthy-Cooper will continue to collaborate with the international team through online meetings over the coming months. A second meeting is scheduled for 26th–28th June 2026, providing an opportunity to share developments and continue the joint work.

Alongside the busy conference schedule, participants also enjoyed a historical walk totalling 18,000 steps, visiting landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Reichstag Building.

Primary Learning Trust looks forward to seeing the innovative STEM resources developed through this partnership—and to the inspiration they will bring to children across our Trust who may one day pursue exciting careers in STEM.