MISTI Global Teaching Labs - Wales - January 2025

Project context & background

The MISTI Global Teaching Labs (GTL) Wales is a STEM education initiative in collaboration with MIT, the Welsh Government, and Equal Education Partners (EEP). Running from January 6 to 29, 2025, the program brings STEM instructors from top universities to schools across Wales. It offers workshops, bespoke projects, tutoring, career guidance, and teacher training to inspire students and enhance STEM education. Since 2019, it has reached over 60,000 learners, promoting STEM engagement and career aspirations. Fully funded by the Welsh Government, the program is free for schools and colleges, providing accessible, high-quality educational resources.

• Programme: International partnership between MIT, Equal, and Welsh schools.

• Duration: January 6–29, 2025.

• Participants:

• 12 MIT instructors teaching science and maths workshops in ~20 schools across Wales.

• Schools benefit from workshops; student teachers gain experience and training.

• Microsite: www.gtlwales.online (featuring contributor bios and programme details).

• History: Programme piloted in January 2019, currently in its third year of a four-year contract.

Video Overview

• Title: Equal MIT Project Legacy Video 2025.

• Purpose: To create a legacy video showcasing the success of the Equal MIT partnership programme, highlighting its impact on schools, students, and teachers in Wales. The video aims to secure future projects and partnerships.

• Target Audience: Stakeholders, schools, policymakers, and potential partners.

Creative Direction

• Style:

• Documentary-style video with a candid, natural feel.

• High-quality production values while maintaining an approachable tone.

• Balanced colour grading for a professional yet vibrant look.

• Content:

• Bilingual Interviews with school staff (e.g., Head of Science), student teachers, and pupils.

• Supporting b-roll footage of workshops, classroom interactions, and school environments.

• Language: Bilingual (Welsh and English).

Previous Videos & Notes:

In summary, feedback from EEP on previous videos highlights the importance of achieving a good production value while prioritising three key aspects: ensuring people feel comfortable on camera, maintaining efficiency when setting up for a variety of interview backgrounds, and capturing a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

Production Plan

Shoot Locations:

1. Two Pembrokeshire schools representing a cross-section of the programme.

2. Celebrator lunch session in Cardiff for reflective interviews and end of programme.

Key Subjects for Interviews:

• School staff: Focus on programme impact on students and teaching practices.

• Student teachers: Personal experience and benefits from the programme.

• Pupils: Engagement with workshops and inspiration for STEM learning.

Schedule:

• Monday 20th of January: Filming at two schools, aim to capture interviews from MIT student teachers, a range of school staff and school pupils.

AM: Penrhyn School, Dewi Campus: SA62 6QH

PM: Greenhill School: SA70 8BN

• Friday 24th of January: Filming during celebratory lunch, capturing reflective interviews and candid moments.

Aura (Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay) 12pm - approximately 3pm.

Deliverables

1. Main Video: 3–5 minutes showcasing the programme’s highlights and impact.

2. Social Media Cuts: 15–30 second clips for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. - OPTIONAL EXTRA

3. Bilingual Versioning: English and Welsh subtitles or narration as required.

Key Notes for Production

• Focus on candid, documentary-style shots with minimal staging.

• Prioritise comfort and authenticity during interviews to ensure natural responses.

• Balance production value with efficiency to capture diverse voices within limited time.

• Include a range of locations and voices to represent the programme’s broad impact.

Technical Considerations

• Equipment:

• Interviews will be filmed by Sam using his Pyxis camera, along with his own lighting and audio equipment to ensure quick and mobile setup.

• Dan will capture cutaways, additional clips, and still photos using a Nikon kit and flash.

• Editing:

• Consistent and polished colour grading will be applied across all footage to achieve a cohesive look.

• Subtitles or bilingual narration will be incorporated to meet the project’s requirements for English and Welsh language accessibility.

*Request full branding pack from EEP.

Example Questions

For School Staff :

1. Programme Impact:

• How has the Equal MIT partnership benefited your school and students?

• Can you share any specific examples of how the workshops have inspired students in STEM subjects?

• How do you think programmes like this shape the future of education in Wales?

2. Engagement & Teaching:

• What has been the response from students to the MIT instructors and their workshops?

• Have you noticed any changes in how your students approach science or maths after these sessions?

• What impact has this programme had on your teaching practices or resources?

3. Legacy & Vision:

• Why do you believe it’s important to continue projects like this in the future?

• What would you say to other schools considering joining the programme?

For MIT Instructors/Student Teachers:

1. Experience & Contribution:

• What has your experience been like teaching in schools across Wales?

• How do you feel your workshops have made a difference to the students you’ve worked with?

• Have there been any standout moments or rewarding experiences during your time here?

2. Collaboration & Growth:

• How has working on this programme influenced your perspective on teaching and learning?

• What have you learned from working with schools in Wales?

3. Encouraging Participation:

• Why do you think programmes like this are essential for education?

• What would you say to other student teachers or instructors considering being part of this programme?

For Students (Pupils):

1. Workshop Experience:

• What did you enjoy most about the workshops?

• How did the workshops help you think differently about science or maths?

• Can you describe something new or exciting you learned during the sessions?

2. Inspiration & Aspirations:

• Have these workshops made you more interested in STEM subjects?

• Do you think these sessions have influenced what you’d like to study or do in the future?

3. Programme Reflection:

• What would you say to other students about why they should take part in these workshops?

For Equal/Programme Stakeholders (if applicable):

1. Programme Goals & Success:

• What was the initial vision for this partnership, and how has it been realised?

• How do you measure the success of the Equal MIT project?

2. Future Outlook:

• Why is it important to continue supporting and funding initiatives like this?

• What do you hope the legacy of this project will be for Welsh education?

General Questions for All Interviewees:

1. Personal Takeaways:

• What has been the most memorable part of your involvement with the Equal MIT programme?

• How would you describe this programme to someone who has never heard of it?

2. Programme Significance:

• Why do you think this project is important for education in Wales and beyond?

• How has this programme influenced you personally, either as a student, teacher, or instructor?