The UK’s longest-running science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roadshow for schools engaged its one millionth pupil at Blackburn Central High School.
On Monday, October 10, BAE Systems joined forces with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, to host the Schools STEM Roadshow which is designed to engage students aged 10 to 13 years old with STEM subjects.
This year’s show focused on magnets and the important role they play in everything from healthcare, to transport, to electricity generation.
Tracy Reeves, Assistant Headteacher at Blackburn Central High School, said: “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.
“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, whilst raising aspirations.
“Our families are really supportive of our approach to increase ambition; we know this as many of our students go on to study sciences and engineering once they leave Blackburn Central High School.”
Proving how inspiring the STEM event can be, Rachel Carr, the assistant chief engineer for Tempest, joined BAE Systems as an apprentice after seeing a roadshow when she was at school.
Rachel spoke at the event to share her experience with students and bond with budding engineers in the mix of students they met.
Richard Hamer, Education and Skills Director, BAE Systems, added: “We’re committed to supporting young people and local communities across the UK.
"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.
“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 aim to raise awareness of the value of STEM subject and their links to future career opportunities is essential for an RAF work force that compromises more than 50 per cent engineers and technicians.
Wing Commander Russ Barnes, Senior Officer Commanding Youth and STEM, Royal Air Force, said: “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.”
Speaking on the Royal Navy’s excitement to be engaging their one millionth pupil, Commander Dave Pinder, STEM Engagement Lead, Royal Navy, said: “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!”
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