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Forum Objective
To advance architecture within Greater London by promoting excellence amongst future professionals, by delivering the projects approved by Regional Council.
 
Education Forum Projects to deliver the objective
1. Liaison with schools of architecture
2. Student Mentoring Scheme
3. Careers talks/school visits
4. Training for careers speakers
5. Longer-term projects
 
1. Liaison with Schools of Architecture
The aim of this project is to improve the relationship between the RIBA and the nine schools of architecture within Greater London.
 
Member help required: we need members to contact schools with which they have good relationships to encourage the schools and the RIBA to work together. We also need members to volunteer to give talks to students at the schools about architecture, the RIBA and the advantages of being a member.
 
2. Student Mentoring Scheme
The RIBA aims to provide an architect mentor for any architecture student who wants one. This scheme has been offered to each of the nine London schools of architecture, with five responding positively so far. The scheme is open to suggestions from each participating school as to what they most need from the RIBA and its members, and the regional office works with the Forum to determine how to best deliver these requests.
 
Member help required: we need members to volunteer to be mentors for students at the schools. Requests from schools indicate that students would probably be in groups and would have to produce a piece of coursework as part of the mentoring - e.g. a project or site diary, or a practice analysis. The regional office will maintain a database from which architects and students can link up.
 
3. Careers talks/schools visits
These are part of an ongoing service whereby the regional office co-ordinates requests from schools and educational organisations within Greater London for architect-speakers to give talks on careers in architecture or attend careers fairs to advise on the same subject. The office has contacts with some schools and receives requests straight from them - other requests come via the Education Department. There is also a list of members who are willing to attend these events on our behalf, and this is regularly reviewed and updated.
 
Member help required: we need members to give careers talks at the schools and colleges from whom we receive requests. These are co-ordinated by the regional office.
 
4. Training for speakers at careers events
RIBA London has been in discussion with London Open House with a view to them providing training for members who take part in the Careers Talks programme. This is in return for the region giving them £5,000 for London Open House promotion.
 
Member help required: we may need members to assist in setting up the event, or helping on the day.
 
5. Longer-term projects
As time and resources allow, we would like to advance two other projects:-
 
Teachers packs - a database of source materials for teachers to use in the classroom on aspects of architecture or the built environment. Collating information already available from other groups.
 
Work experience - School pupils are often required to participate in work experience in Year 10 or 11 (age 15-16). To assist architectural practices that participate, we would like to compile guidance on how pupils can gainfully spend their time. Students can benefit from having a small project to tackle at times when there is a lull in other office activities e.g. a simple interior design project, model making. We want to collect a range of sample projects that practices can use. The aim is two-fold, to encourage practices, even small ones to take school pupils, by helping with the planning of their stay, and to help those pupils have a more positive experience.
 
We would like to hear from anyone who:
a. is involved in any projects working with school children or knows of useful material for teachers
b. has samples of small projects that can be undertaken by work experience pupils
 

Forum Composition
In recent years, the Education Forum has not met as a group. However, this is likely to change. There has been increased activity with liaison with schools of architecture and in attendance at careers events. The region hopes to convene a meeting of members who have been supporting these activities by way of thank you for their assistance and at the same time provide some training for those talking to school children.
 
The Forum is open to any RIBA Member (from all classes) in London. It will continue to operate very informally, as a network or circulation list rather than a fixed membership with a programme of regular meetings.
 
Any meeting notes or papers will be circulated by email not post and are usually prepared by the staff in the regional office.
 
The Forum is chaired by the Region’s Vice Chair (Education) Marina Adams, elected by the Regional Council. Contact the regional office| for more information.