Rhondda Cynon Taf Schools Changes to the Science Grant Scheme
- Introduction to the science grant scheme…
- How to apply
- Tips on applying
- Which schools can apply?
- Reporting on the Science Grant Scheme
- Science grant scheme history…
Science Grant Scheme Introduction:
The Edina Trust Science Grant Scheme (SGS) will be available to all state-funded primary schools, nurseries and special schools in Hartlepool, Lincolnshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Middlesbrough, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Sunderland and West Dunbartonshire for three school years. The Edina Trust science grant scheme is a non-competitive grant scheme.
Main Grant for "full" Primary Schools* and ASN Schools
A science grant scheme is run in an area and every eligible state primary school in that area can apply for a grant of up to £500 towards a science project. A school's application can include funding for school gardening resources, that is limited to £350. A combined science and gardening grant can be applied for up to a maximum of £500.
*'Full' Primary Schools have both infant and junior pupils.
Half Grant for Infant and Junior Schools
£250 per school year towards a science project (i.e. £750 over three years).
One-off grant for Nurseries
One-off £350 grant at any point during the three year scheme. This includes stand-alone nursery schools and nursery classes within schools. A school may also spend more on their nursery using the main grant, if desired.
2015-16 School Year:
The Edina Trust's science grant scheme is available to state primary schools in Hartlepool, Lincolnshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Middlesbrough, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Sunderland and West Dunbartonshire during the 2015-16 school year. Information concerning how to apply for a grant, which schools are eligible and our scheme's history are listed below.
The Science Grant Scheme will provide grants of up to £500 for:
- full-school science weeks
- scientific visits – trips out of, or visits to, the school
- purchase of science equipment (please note, the Trust will not fund iPads)
- improving school grounds for science
- gardening resources (maximum grant of £350)
- science subscriptions
Schools in Dundee City, Inverclyde, Lancashire and Renfrewshire will be eligible under the original Science Grant Scheme policies until the end of their allotted 3 year scheme. Please click here for the original Science Grant Scheme policies.
How to apply:
We have a simple application process. Schools are asked to provide: a brief project description, a breakdown of costs, a project date, and pupil numbers.
For more details on filling out our application form click here.
To apply for a grant please email the administrator for your area. You can find the correct email address on our "Contact Us" page.
The Edina Trust has set aside sufficient resources so that schools applying later in the school year will not be disadvantaged. However, please be aware that the Trust does not fund projects retrospectively.
Schools that receive a grant will be asked to provide a short report about the funded activities/items.
Eligible schools:
- Lincolnshire: The 2015-16 school year is the first year the science grant scheme will run in Lincolnshire. All primary schools in Lincolnshire are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Lincolnshire scheme, please contact our consultant, Jane Banham. - West Dunbartonshire: The 2015-16 school year is the first year the science grant scheme will run in West Dunbartonshire. All primary schools in West Dunbartonshire are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the West Dunbartonshire scheme, please contact our consultant, Liz Wilson. - Hartlepool: The 2015-16 school year is the second year the science grant scheme will run in Hartlepool. All primary schools in Hartlepool are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Hartlepool scheme, please contact our consultant, John Harpin. - Merthyr Tydfil: The 2015-16 school year is the second year the science grant scheme will run in Merthyr Tydfil. All primary schools in Merthyr Tydfil are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Merthyr Tydfil scheme, please contact our consultant, David Thomas. - Middlesbrough: The 2015-16 school year is the second year the science grant scheme will run in Middlesbrough. All primary schools in Middlesbrough are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Middlesbrough scheme, please contact our consultant, John Harpin. - Rhondda Cynon Taff: The 2015-16 school year is the second year the science grant scheme will run in Rhondda Cynon Taff. All primary schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Rhondda Cynon Taff scheme, please contact our consultant, David Thomas. - Sunderland: The 2015-16 school year is the second year the science grant scheme will run in Sunderland. All primary schools in Sunderland are eligible to apply for a grant.
For more information concerning the Sunderland scheme, please contact our consultant, Geraldine Johnson.Please see our Newsletters page for further information on the Science Grant Scheme in your area.
SGS reporting:
Schools that receive a grant will be asked to provide a short report about the funded activities/items.
- In the case of gardening/science equipment the report should include details such as: whether the equipment engaged the interest of the pupils, was a useful aid towards teaching the curriculum and whether you would recommend these purchases to other schools.
- In the case of a science visit, the report should include details such as: whether the visit engaged the interest of the pupils, if it was a useful aid towards teaching the curriculum and whether you would re-book or recommend the visit to other schools.
- Or science week, describe whether or not you think your project has affected the teaching/learning of science in school, and your pupils' attitudes to science. Also evaluate the visits and workshops: Did they meet your expectations? Did they engage the interest of the pupils? Would you re-book or recommend to other schools?
Schools can download an electronic copy of the Edina Trust report form, .doc or .pdf, but any material generated or pictures taken during the project would also be greatly appreciated.
Please let us know if you would be willing to share information about this project with other schools via the Edina Trust newsletters and website.
Please be aware that the Edina Trust will be randomly selecting 5% of schools receiving a grant and requesting to see copies of invoices and receipts for items purchased. The school will be notified in the approval letter that is sent with the cheque, if they have been selected. Please make sure you read the letter and keep hold of your receipts as necessary.
Charities are required by their regulators – in the Edina Trust's case, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) – to check that grants are used for the purpose for which they are given.
SGS history:
- Oxfordshire: The science grant scheme was first piloted in Oxfordshire in the 2006-07 school year. The scheme was available to every state school in Oxfordshire (250 schools) for three school years. The Trust ran a fourth year 'catch up' scheme for those schools that had not accessed the scheme by the end of the three years. Edina funded 496 science projects in 211 schools over the course of the scheme. Please visit our science project pages for examples of science projects funded in Oxfordshire.
- Scottish Borders: The scheme was introduced to the Scottish Borders in the 2007-08 school year. The scheme was available to every state primary school in the Scottish Borders (65 schools) for three school years. Edina funded 244 science projects in 65 schools (100% take up!) over the course of the scheme. Please visit our science project pages for examples of science projects funded in the Scottish Borders.
- Lancashire: The scheme was piloted in Lancashire in the 2009-10 school year. So far, the Edina Trust has funded projects in 357 primary schools. Edina Trust will continue to roll out the scheme to the remaining Lancashire primary schools in the coming years.
- Midlothian: The scheme piloted in Midlothian in the 2010-11 school year. The Edina Trust funded has funded projects in ALL 34 schools (100% take up!) Edina funded 97 science projects in 34 schools over the course of the scheme. Please visit our science project pages for examples of science projects funded in Midlothian.
- Fife: The scheme piloted in Fife in the 2010-11 school year. The Edina Trust has funded projects in 151 schools. Edina funded 403 science projects in 151 schools over the course of the scheme. Please visit our science project pages for examples of science projects funded in Fife.
- Conwy: The scheme piloted in Conwy in the 2011-12 school year after success with the Conwy Gardening Scheme. The Edina Trust has funded projects in 44 schools. Edina funded 84 science projects in 44 schools over the course of the scheme.
- North Ayrshire: The scheme piloted in North Ayrshire in the 2012-13 school year. The Edina Trust has funded projects in 59 schools. Edina funded 161 science projects in 59 schools over the course of the scheme. Please visit our science project pages for examples of science projects funded in North Ayrshire.
- North Lanarkshire: The scheme piloted in North Lanarkshire in the 2012-13. The Edina Trust has funded projects in 148 schools. Edina funded 349 science projects in 148 schools over the course of the scheme.
- South Lanarkshire: The scheme piloted in Conwy in the 2011-12 school year after success with the Conwy Gardening Scheme. The Edina Trust has funded projects in ALL 150 schools (100% take up!). Edina funded 372 science projects in 150 schools over the course of the scheme.
- In the case of gardening/science equipment the report should include details such as: whether the equipment engaged the interest of the pupils, was a useful aid towards teaching the curriculum and whether you would recommend these purchases to other schools.
