Winner: 2023 Excellence in Primary Education Prize
Stuart Naismith
Gartcosh Primary School
For developing an entrepreneurial approach to STEM subjects, using a variety of media, to encourage students to engage with learning.
As a primary school teacher, Stuart leads STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) activities within his class while supporting colleagues throughout the school. This involves engaging children in performing experiments or tackling design challenges with different materials. Stuart also leads science assemblies, which involves performing science experiments in front of the whole school to engage all students and help them develop their understanding of scientific concepts. Stuart also creates videos for YouTube, demonstrating low-cost science experiments or STEM activities where he explains not only how to do the activity but also why things are happening. Most of the materials are easily accessible in local shops, and this is to reduce the barriers to accessing STEM education outside of school. The videos are free to access and are there to support teachers, parents and pupils.
Biography
Stuart is a primary teacher within North Lanarkshire Council, currently based at Gartcosh Primary School. Before becoming a teacher, Stuart received a degree in commercial music from the University of the West of Scotland, and worked in financial services. He returned to his alma mater to complete the PGDE qualification in primary education. A seemingly innocuous question asked of a lecturer during the PGDE resulted in Stuart being invited to participate in multiple STEM projects, working with researchers from the University of Edinburgh and St Andrew’s University. He grew his practice as a leader of STEM education in multiple schools, developing STEM planners and after-school clubs, and supporting colleagues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stuart branched out into STEM communication on social media under the name of STEM with Mr N, where he showcases STEM activities and explains the processes involved. He demonstrates robotics and coding, interviews STEM professionals about their jobs and journey into STEM, and a range of interesting STEM facts. Most recently, he highlighted 100 scientists who have influenced the world. Through this work, Stuart aims to support and inspire children, parents and teachers to explore the wonders of STEM. In 2022, Stuart received the Primary Science Teacher Award from the Primary Science Teaching Trust for excellence in primary science education. STEM with Mr N is a Teach Primary Awards 2023 finalist in the STEM resources category. And he is a board member of the Scottish STEM education charity SSERC. Stuart is married to a doctor, Viv, and together they have three children; a son, James, and identical twin daughters, Sophie and Olivia. When not working or spending time with family, Stuart enjoys playing ice hockey and reading.
Seeing the understanding dawn in a pupil's eyes or watching them connect their learning and draw conclusions based on what you've been teaching is always a great moment. It is a privileged position I hold, being responsible for these young minds, and it is not one I take for granted.
Stuart Naismith
Q&A with Stuart Naismith
In a few sentences, how does it feel to receive this prize and be recognised by colleagues for your contribution to chemistry education?
It is an incredible achievement being recognised for this award by colleagues and education professionals, especially within such a competitive award. As someone without a STEM background prior to becoming a teacher, it is also a bit surreal that I have come this far. It is wonderful that these awards exist to recognise and reward the passion, dedication and hard work of educators, and I am honoured to be receiving this accolade.
What would be your advice to educators who are working with colleagues going above and beyond, but are yet to nominate them for an RSC Education prize?
Please do not hesitate to nominate colleagues who you believe are going above and beyond. As educators, none of us are seeking any glory; however, it is also important to recognise the dedication of those within our profession when there is an opportunity, and the RSC Education prizes are a great way to honour those colleagues going that extra mile.
How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?
I have always been fascinated by space since seeing the remastered Star Wars films as a child, and that has always stayed with me, although I never pursued any sciences academically. During my PGDE primary course, I was invited by one of my lecturers to attend an astrobiology session at Edinburgh University, showcasing how this concept could be used in the primary setting. Since this involved space, I was hooked, instantly. I began looking into other areas of science, and working on projects with the aforementioned lecturer. I took all of this into my first primary classroom, and from there, I've continued to develop my passion for STEM. However, I owe my beginnings in this direction to Margaret Ritchie, a lecturer who saw my potential and encouraged me. I aspire to be as influential to my students as she was to me.
Who or what has inspired you to have a role in education?
During high school, I wanted to be a music teacher. I was very involved in the music department, undertaking Advanced Higher Music, and playing the tuba and bass guitar in various school bands. The head of the music department, Albert Sloan, had a huge passion for his subject but also in supporting pupils to bring out the best in them. Mr Sloan, to me, was the perfect teacher, and I loved being in his classes and under his instruction in the school bands. Although I ultimately took a different path with music, focusing on the practical and management side, when I did decide to become a primary teacher, Mr Sloan was in my corner again, writing a supporting statement for my teaching application. His personality, his passion for his subject and his dedication to his students continue to be an inspiration for the type of teacher I wish to be.
What motivates you?
My family are my number one motivation. I wish to inspire a love of lifelong learning in them and to nurture their curiosity. They are not yet within the school system, however by helping to promote STEM and being involved with different organisations, hopefully, there will be a positive impact for the experiences they get at school.
My second main inspiration is the people I am able to engage with and excite with STEM education, whether that is in my class or across social media with STEM with Mr N.
Seeing the understanding dawn in a pupil's eyes or watching them connect their learning and draw conclusions based on what you've been teaching is always a great moment. It is a privileged position I hold, being responsible for these young minds, and it is not one I take for granted.
What has been a highlight for you (either personally or in your career)?
I've had a lot of recent highlights in my career that it is hard to narrow it down. Delivering science assemblies has been a very rewarding experience, being able to deliver experiments to the full school and hear their amazement at some of the activities. Receiving the Primary Science Teacher Award 2022 from the PSTT, and then the Excellence in Primary Education Award 2023 from the RSC are both incredible highlights, along with my video series, STEM with Mr N, being a finalist in the Teach Primary Awards 2023 (results pending).
Personally, my highlights are marrying my wife, and welcoming our three beautiful children to the world.
No matter what the day brings, everything is better when they are around.
What has been a challenge for you (either personally or in your career)?
Probably the most challenging experience I've had recently is a combination of personal and career. Although I've become much better with my filming and editing processes for STEM with Mr N, this still takes time. Trying to fit in my dedication to these videos, my work as a teacher, and time with my family can sometimes be a bit of a juggle and have me burning the candle at both ends. However, my family take priority, and we make it all work.
Why do you think teamwork is important in science?
In the primary setting, where most primary teachers don't have a science background, teamwork is important for being able to share ideas, team teach or even class swap to ensure the pupils are receiving quality science instruction.
As a STEM-focused educator, teamwork also allows me to network with other educators in similar situations to myself and, again, share ideas, experiences and learn different ways of doing things.
It is inspiring to have discussions with others working in STEM education and see how they adapt to different circumstances, overcome challenges, or find interesting ways to link topics together. Lifelong learning does not need to be done in isolation, and teamwork helps us all flourish and deliver the best outcomes for the pupils in our care.
Who or what has supported you in your career as an educator?
I have been lucky enough to have a very supportive wife. From keeping the household running while I undertook the PGDE to staying up late helping prepare resources, she got behind me every step of my journey in education.
During my probation year, I had a very supportive mentor in Laura Alcorn and a head teacher in Lorraine McBride, who afforded me the freedom to try new things in the school and provided me with opportunities to further develop my STEM education skills.
My current head teacher, Alison McFarlane, is also on board with my ideas for developing STEM in the school and encourages me to seek opportunities to further my skills.Last but not least, all of the pupils, parents, and fellow educators who subscribe to STEM with Mr N on YouTube, or follow on other social media, allow me to have a privileged position in assisting them with their own continued development.
For a bit of fun.
....What is your favourite element?Oh - the element of surprise! However, when it comes to proper elements, there are two I cannot choose between: nitrogen - it features on the logo for my video channel, STEM with Mr N, since its chemical symbol is N; palladium - this is what my wedding ring is made from, so for sentimental reasons I like this element.