Growing confident teachers
SAT STEP: Building a community of switched-on science teachers.
The Sir Angus Tait Science Teaching Enrichment Programme, known as “SAT STEP”, is purpose-designed to develop scientific confidence, capability and leadership for teachers of Years 0 to 8.
SAT STEP is a two year programme, designed to give primary school teachers the confidence and capability to teach science well.
How it works.
In the first year, a small cohort of 8-10 primary school teachers come together once a week for an immersive day of experiential science teaching and learning. In the second year, teachers meet once per term to share their progress, connect with others and consolidate a network of passionate science teachers in Canterbury.
SAT STEP is designed to benefit an entire school. Participating teachers are supported and expected to lead PLD in their own schools, so their knowledge, skills and ideas can make a difference for all teachers and students in their school.
SAT STEP has been developed and is led by Brigitte Glasson, a Science Education Consultant with 20 years of experience in education.
“SAT STEP has given us inspiration and an incredible bank of resources and activities to help us feel confident teaching science to senior primary students. As students head towards their teenage years, engagement is crucial, and it has been wonderful to see students in their senior primary years excited about doing science.”
– SAT STEP participant, 2024
SAT STEP has been designed to meet the needs of today’s busy primary school teachers. It is:
Accessible
For the first year, teachers receive one paid release day every Friday, so their classroom can be led by a consistent reliever and there is no extra burden on them or the school. In year two, teachers receive one paid release day per term to attend the programme.
Integrated
SAT STEP is aligned with the current New Zealand science curriculum and the latest international research. It also integrates with literacy and numeracy programmes by giving students authentic experiences to read or write about, and opportunities to practice ‘messy maths’.
Effective
Kids love to learn by doing, and so do adults! We take a hands on approach, doing exciting experiments first, then exploring the theory, and then discussing what it might look like in a classroom setting and the intent for their students.
Connective
As well as gaining confidence in science teaching, participants develop strong and lasting bonds with each other. Having an opportunity to come together and make connections between schools is crucial to sharing ideas, developing as teachers and growing a wider appreciation of science teaching.
Inspiring curiosity
Ultimately, the SAT STEP programme is about inspiring our tamariki. We work with teachers so that they in turn can help children to become more curious about how things work and better able to understand the world they live in. By equipping teachers to teach science in a fun and engaging way, we’re empowering New Zealand’s next generation of critical thinkers.
“SAT STEP has given me real life science ideas for real classroom situations.”
Who can apply?
We welcome applicants from years 0-8 in the Christchurch or Canterbury region. Applicants don't have to be “good at science”. We are looking for teachers who show passion and curiosity, and have a strong desire to make a difference for their students.
The programme takes place in Christchurch, with participants travelling from as far as Ashburton and Geraldine to attend.
Applications generally open in August and are due at the end of September, with places confirmed late October. The selection process is run by external colleagues from outside of Christchurch to avoid any bias.
To learn more, apply now or register your interest in advance, please email step@taitfoundation.nz
Help us get the word out!
We want more principals, teachers and schools to become aware of the SAT STEP programme. If you know someone who might be interested or would be able to put a poster up in your school staffroom, please get in touch and we will send you our latest flyer or poster. Your help would be hugely appreciated.