Let’s get ready for British Science Week

British Science Week (BSW, formerly National Science and Engineering Week (NSEW) is a ten-day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages. It will take place from the 13th March to the 22nd March 2015.

Anyone can organise an event or activity to celebrate BSW.  There is plenty of help available – the British Science Association provides activity resources and how-to guides. You can also register your event with the British Science Association to make it official!

We’re really excited about the grants on offer to help you run an event.

Here is what is available to UK schools:

Scottish Grant Scheme 2015

Open to schools and organisations in Scotland.
Funding of £200 is available for schools; £350 for organisations.
To be eligible for school funding, your activity needs to take place in school or be led by a teacher out of school e.g. a visit to a science-related visitor attraction. It also needs to be aimed at school pupils (and their parents and families, if relevant).
The grant can be spent on costs such as room hire, publicity, speakers, trainers, outreach shows, volunteer expenses and transport.
The deadline for applications is Friday 14th November 2014.

Welsh Grant Scheme 2015

Open to schools and organisations in Wales.
Funding of £200 is available for schools; £350 for organisations.
To be eligible for school funding, your activity needs to take place in school or be led by a teacher out of school e.g. a visit to a science-related visitor attraction. It also needs to be aimed at school pupils (and their parents and families, if relevant).
The grant can be spent on costs such as room hire, publicity, speakers, trainers, outreach shows, volunteer expenses and transport.
The deadline for applications is Friday 14th November 2014.

Kick Start Grants for Schools

This scheme is open to any UK schools in challenging circumstances. To be eligible, your school must have a high proportion (over 30%) of pupils eligible for free school meals or the pupil premium OR have a high proportion of pupils (over 30%) who are from black or minority ethnic backgrounds OR be a small school based in a remote and rural location (that is, schools located in settlements of fewer than 10,000 people with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more people).

The School Activity Grant is worth £300 and helps you to run an activity during BSW.
The ‘Our School Community’ Grant of up to £700 is given to schools that wish to host a science event or activity which involves students and the local community.

The deadline for applications is 14th November 2014.

Ready to apply?

If you qualify for a grant and have a great idea for an activity, the next step is to visit the British Science Association website. Here you will find the full guidance notes and a copy of the application form. As always, please read these thoroughly before putting pen to paper and beginning your application.

Good luck!