The UK’s longest-running science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roadshow for schools, delivered jointly by BAE Systems, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, has engaged its one millionth pupil.
The Schools STEM Roadshow, which began in 2005, currently visits more than 420 schools across the UK each year. It provides a highly interactive experience for students aged 10–13 years old in primary and secondary schools, and is designed to inspire excitement in STEM subjects.
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This year’s show focuses on magnets and the important role that they play in everything from healthcare to transport and electricity generation. It uses a series of experiences and demonstrations to showcase practical applications of a range of different scientific concepts and bring them to life for the students.
‘We’ve welcomed the roadshow into our school for many years and have always found it to be inspirational, interactive and informative for our students,’ said Tracy Reeves, assistant headteacher at Blackburn Central High School, where the millionth student was among those who watched the show. ‘We are thrilled to help celebrate the participation of the one millionth pupil as we welcome every opportunity to enrich the lives of our students and increase their awareness of the world around them, whilse raising aspirations.’
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‘We’re committed to supporting young people and local communities across the UK and over the last 17 years, the Schools Roadshow has proved to be an effective way to encourage young people to explore STEM subjects and consider future career opportunities,’ said Richard Hamer, education and skills director at BAE Systems. ‘These activities help companies like ours develop a diverse and talented pipeline of apprentices and graduates whose skills are critical to the UK maintaining its leadership position in technology and innovation.’
‘The RAF recognises that raising awareness of the value of STEM subjects and their links to future career opportunities is essential for an RAF workforce that comprises more than half engineers and engineer technicians,’ said Wing Commander Russ Barnes, senior officer commanding youth and STEM with the Royal Air Force. ‘Since 2008, we have provided STEM educational support across the UK, through a blend of direct and indirect engagement and offered free, curriculum-mapped STEM resources to schools. Through engagements like the Schools STEM Roadshow, we aim to provide opportunity to as many young people as possible so that we, as a society, have the largest number of STEM-qualified people possible.’
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‘The Royal Navy’s delighted that it has helped fund the roadshow for a number of years to encourage young people to take STEM subjects at school,’ said Commander Dave Pinder, the Royal Navy’s STEM-engagement lead. ‘The positive, enthusiastic and humorous delivery mechanism we believe opens up the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to young people who will have never considered such subjects could be fun or rewarding. Our association with the roadshow along with BAE Systems and the RAF has clearly had an impact on so many young people over the years and we are delighted to be here today celebrating the delivery to the one millionth young person!’