National Mathematics and Science College approach to education of young scientists in the field of STEM

A real find for me was meeting with representatives of the National Mathematics and Science College, British school which prepares students for admission to programmes in STEM  field of best universities in the world. The concept of STEM education includes 4 key academic disciplines: science, technology, engineering, mathematics. STEM education is actively developing in the West becoming one of the most promising training program at universities, that is why the collaboration with the school of such a level I consider being very promising.

Several advantages of studying in England in the National Mathematics and Science College:

- A small family school created by former headmaster of top British school with over 40 years of experience in the field of education. The school currently has 40 students and plan to expand to 60 students maximum to support an individual approach in teaching and be responsible for each student.

- The school focuses on teaching international students. The founder of the school knew the work of boarding schools in England from the inside, took into account all problems faced in teaching foreign students and has made its approach to the creation of international school. From my interview, you will learn what makes the school so special.

- Emphasis on leadership development. Every school acquires leadership skills in its students but in Mathematics and Science National College they see their students on senior positions at Google or Microsoft. Here not only the curriculum, but elective courses and sport activities are organized in such a way that the child can Express himself and begin to build a path to a successful career. For example, the school has Leadership Program in Parliament, where students once a month visit and see British Parliament in action.

My interview with a representative of the National Mathematics and Science College at the international conference in Berlin:

L: You position yourself as a school that prepares for entrance to top universities. What results can you boast of?

R: We opened not so long ago but even at the first graduation year all students gained grades A and A* in mathematics. From year to year our students are in the top 10% of participants at competitions around the country. 15-19% of our students go to the STEM program in the top 20 world universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League universities in the United States.

L: What are the curriculum in your school?

R: we only Have GCSE and A-level, not IB. If the student is ready, it can be accepted immediately on a two-year program. With 15 year old students it's different, they study study for 3 years, first year working on English, take GCSE and basic disciplines to prepare for A-level. At GCSE in one year they take 4-6 subjects. But still, the results of A-level will affect admission to the University. By the way, we always require maths at A-level. We are selective with our students, and our academic program is strong enough. But at the same time, we understand that the academic program is only a part of the child's stay in our school. We teach students as future leaders, prepare them for beginning to build a successful career. For example, we have Parliament Leadership Programme where children learn to be political leaders and opinion leaders. In the framework of the program they go to the British Parliament each month where can chat with authorities, prepare their projects, write essays and theses. The founder of our school oversees this program and help our students to build connections with politicians, so they make the right connections while still at school. I have to say you will not find it in British schools.

L: Tell me more about the founder of the school, as I understand his vision has influenced the approach to teaching at NationalMathematicsandScienceCollege

R: he Founded the school is my father, Dr Martin Stephen. For 24 years he has headed the top schools in the UK and with 40 years of experience in education founded his own school which is different from others. He realized that international students do not receive enough education in England to get into top universities and compete with British students. National Mathematics and Science College is aimed to give the best education to foreign students. Strong academic preparation, along with the best pastoral system, which are famous in English schools and focus on learning English as their main language is the best way of preparing foreign students to adapt in England and applying to a foreign University. Upon graduation, our students know English at the level of IELTS 8.5-9. This is equivalent of knowing English as native speakers which allows children to feel confidence, communicating and working in an English speaking environment.

L: What is an individual approach to learning in school?

R: first and foremost, each student has an academic tutor. Once a week, students discuss their learning progress, and supervisors ensure that children do not suffer from heavy load and show interest in learning. Individual approach is also reflected in the fact that we can teach children to a higher level than A-level. For example, two of our students are already teaching math at the University level. If we see that the student is capable of we can give him the opportunity not to stay at the same level. Many students change for the better after coming to our school. All because we give them opportunities for growth and development. If you cope with A-level why not to make it more difficult so they did not stay on the same place. One student came to our school after he lost the motivation to study at previous school though he was a capable student. After just 2 weeks in our school he was transformed. He now runs a University program in mathematics. This is called an individual approach to learning. We will also liaise with parents. Every 6 weeks we call them to discuss a success of children in the school. This is also part of the learning process and we are serious about communication with the parents of our students.

L: Tell us how children live outside of class: where they live, how they spend their free time?

R: Many of our students are talented and we are talking not only about knowledge of mathematics, many of them play, sing, do sports. In school, we must maintain the children's interest in learning. Children also have the opportunity to go to the pool, play tennis, badminton and other sports. Children can freely dispose their time, we do not forbid them to go for walks around the city, we don't want to lock them in the school walls.

As for the accommodation, we have two options: residence and host family. In 15 years our children live in families and only when they are 16 they can move into residence. The residence belongs to the University but we wholly occupy 2 floors, so in fact our students live separately from university students. Of course we have adults to supervise our students who ensure children are on time back home, take classes, etc. They live with students in residence in order to be sure that the children are okay and safe. The residence is located 15 minutes from the school. Our educational unit is on the campus of  University, which is ranked 4th in the world in mathematics. University graduates and professors are coming to our school to inspire our students to new achievements in science.

Because National Mathematics and Science College is a family business we value our reputation and we are passionate about our work. We are convinced that our school opens the door to top universities and we prepare students to succeed not only academically but also in career and in life.