What is this section all about?

The impact of teaching electronics can be far-reaching and positive. For the teachers teaching it, for the pupils studying it, and for the school in general, there are many benefits.

Teachers gain enormous satisfaction from teaching electronics. Undergoing training in electronics can be a valuable boost to their professional development.

“I'm on a vertical learning curve myself, and I learn as much from the pupils as they learn from me, so its a two way street.” Teacher

Schools can benefit from including electronics as a design and technology subject. It can raise the profile of the school, and mutually beneficial links with industry can be established. Many head teachers across the UK are actively showing their support for including electronics as a design and technology subject.

“Although the majority of secondary head teachers may well not have had any background associated with this field, I think there can't be many now who don't accept the importance of an electronics curriculum for the twenty first century.” Head Teacher

“For the schools and for industry, having activities where you join people together for a day allows the pupils to see what industry is actually like.” HR Innovations Manager, IBM Greenock

Pupils love electronics! It is a relevant and rewarding subject, and many take it beyond the classroom into extra curricular activities.

"It’s learning through fun" - Stella Morgan, Lincolnshire & Rutland Setpoint

“I know it captures a lot of children. It’s that thing where they actually get something and it works. You can see it in their faces when they've soldered together a circuit, particularly the children that thought they weren't capable of doing it.” Teacher

'Dispelling myths about electronics in schools', is a document which was produced following the evaluation of the Electronics in Schools project.  The evaluation provided evidence that explodes a number of myths about electronics, including:

• it is too hard for teachers and pupils
• it is too expensive
• there is insufficient space in the curriculum
• pupils cannot cope with design in electronics
• girls cannot or will not do it
• that teachers introducing a subject like electronics are likely to find themselves isolated and unsupported

(This material was originally created for the Electronics in Schools Project and published on the dedicated website electronicsinschools.com)