Transforming school students' aspirations into destinations through extended interaction with cutting-edge research: Physics Research in School Environments

Abstract

Abstract. We introduce a scalable framework for protracted research-based engagement with schools called Physics Research in School Environments (PRiSE) which has transformed cutting-edge space science, astronomy, and particle physics into accessible 6-month independent research projects for schools. The programme's theory of change presents how PRiSE aims to impact on a diverse range of 14–18 year-old students, supporting and enhancing their physics aspirations, as well as influencing teachers' practice and their school environments to potentially enable wider impacts. We explore the considerations made in developing the programme to help enact these theorised changes, in particular detailing the structure, support, and resources offered by active researchers as part of PRiSE. Through feedback from participating students and teachers, we assess the provision within this framework. This illustrates that the model appears to provide highly positive experiences that are otherwise not accessible to schools and that the extraordinary level of support offered is deemed necessary with all elements appearing equally important. Researchers and public engagement professionals seem receptive to the PRiSE framework of schools engagement and it has started to spread to other institutions.