Bridging school and industry: a role for the trainee teacher

Education and industry links are well established in schools and the benefits of an industrial dimension within the curriculum are widely acknowledged. However, high quality and sustainable work which also provides continuity and progression of experience for pupils as they move through primary and into secondary schools is more difficult to achieve. Additionally, student teachers in training do not necessarily have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the importance of working with industry and the local community nor do they have the chance to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for successful practice in this area. Reports a project which involved science student teachers as the professional links between a large industrial company and a family of schools. Describes how they supported the class teachers in developing industrial themes within the curriculum of each of the participating schools and across the age range 5‐18 years. In so doing the student teachers benefit from the experience by building up their own expertise and taking it with them into their future teaching careers.