Chapter 10: Enhancing School Students’ Engagement in Chemistry Through a University-led Enrichment Programme

The study reported in this chapter arose from ongoing concerns in the UK regarding engagement and participation by young people in chemistry, particularly those from areas of high deprivation. Funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Chemistry for all project included longitudinal intervention programmes led by three UK universities experienced in outreach that focused on engagement of large groups of students over a five-year period. Research on the outcomes of the interventions was undertaken by a fourth university. The chapter gives a comprehensive view of how the intervention was designed, implemented and evaluated at one of the participating universities, involving 60 students from each of six schools in the region. Details of the intervention for these students are provided as they followed four years of compulsory schooling (12–16 years of age). In addition, the chapter gives a synopsis of interviews conducted with twelve of the participating students as they reflected on their experience at age 15–16 years. The annual evaluations of the intervention programme show how the intervention successfully fulfilled its aims of enrichment, enhancement, motivation, career awareness and aspiration to become university students. Results from the interviews support these findings, however on exploring students’ career intentions, few students planned to choose chemistry post-16 and follow careers in chemistry related areas. Key factors indicated by the interviews that could influence students’ decision-making include experience of science and chemistry outside school, and confidence to succeed in chemistry. The interplay between influencing variables is still being determined by a wider ranging survey.