One of TSN’s most distinguishing features is its ‘bottom up’ collaborative structure. In other words, all our activities are steered by those who use the scheme. This design allows TSN to respond quickly and flexibly to local needs, and all our activities have evolved and adapted accordingly. Inevitably, such ‘bottom up’ arrangements tend to be organic, and so formal statements of purpose or policy have tended to follow rather than lead our activities. Emerging documents are more a statement of what it is that TSN actually does rather than a set of fixed aims. However, we have tried to produce clear statements that describe what it is we try to do without hindering our ability to change and develop according to the needs of its members.
The TSN is a scheme that puts the scientific community of the Norwich Research Park into contact with the teachers of science in the Norfolk Education Community. The core activity is a network of one-to-one teacher-scientist partnerships.
Its main purposes are:
TSN Members contact one another informally about science and about science education. The core activity of the network is contact and communication between 'partnered' scientists and teachers but other activities and meetings take place so that the network sometimes meets as a group.
Most partners meet at school very often with the scientist engaging in classroom activity. This seems to be very rewarding and productive for everyone. The frequency of these contacts ranges from one or more a week for some partners to just one or two times a year for others. Each partnership, with help initially, makes its own arrangements - whatever suits; whatever is needed.
Many teachers encourage classroom visits from the scientist so that their children and the scientist get to know one another; children can talk to a 'real' scientist and get to know him or her as an ordinary person. The scientist may help the teacher or the children develop new investigations and other activities, perhaps by suggesting different contexts or procedures. Occasionally the scientist may make a more direct contribution by illustrating his or her work. As well as offering advice and expertise, some scientists are able to help with resources and materials for a particular section of school science work.
There are meetings where information and ideas are shared and exchanged and a newsletter keeps members in touch with network activity. We also offer members mini-grants to help develop classroom ideas, and for all teachers there are master classes in particular subjects, and occasional evening seminars on science matters of the moment. For scientists there are education seminars or workshops. There are other one-off events for teachers and children often help in partnership with other organisations.
The TSN is overseen by a Steering Group of 6 teachers (from all school phases), three scientists, the co-ordinator and two observers. Major decisions are made and new directions set by this group.
The Teacher Scientist Network is funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation
The TSN's mission is to enhance science in schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk
The Teacher Scientist Network is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. Registered in England, No.455366. Registered Charity No. 1096208
The registered office of the TSN is:
John Innes Centre
Norwich Research Park,
Colney Lane
Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK.
Telephone +44 (0)1603 450000
Fax +44 (0)1603 450015
Email: ts.network@bbsrc.ac.uk
Although based here through the generosity of the John Innes Centre, the TSN is totally autonomous and independent.
The co-ordinator is employed at to manage and develop the network and its associated activities.
The Resources Officer is employed (part time) to manage and develop the school loan kits.
All major decisions are made and directions set by this group. It is composed of six teachers from primary, middle and high schools (two from each phase), three scientists from the Norwich Research Park and two or three observers including a representative of the Gatsby Foundation. Meetings take place once or twice each term. Other members are co-opted in as necessary. The steering group is the primary group responsible for TSN policy. Minutes are sent to all members and are archived.
The core activity takes place in schools by 'partnered' teachers and scientists working together to enhance school science, but other meetings and events also take place, sometimes in partnership with other institutions.
Any teacher or scientist in the area may join, and there are no costs involved. Other people not involved in partnership work, but interested in TSN, also belong. A newsletter, meetings and other information keeps members in touch. Latest news/events here.
The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, London, meets the main running costs of the TSN. Other agencies contribute to many of our activities.
The TSN maintains co-operative working relationships with the educational authorities, scientific institutions and the major research councils as well as local industry.
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