Bringing STEAM to Northants: University supports Big Bang event for local school children

Fun-filled shows, hands-on exhibits and interactive workshops were all part of the ‘Big Bang on the Move event’ that gave hundreds of young people 9-19 across Northamptonshire the chance to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

Taking place on Wednesday 1 March at the home of Northampton Saints (Franklin’s Gardens), the event was a first for the county. The day focused on how the arts can play a crucial role in more commonly talked about STEM careers. Logistics was also a key part of the event, as Northamptonshire strives to recruit enough young apprentices and graduates to their industry.

Around 1,800 young people from over 300 primary and secondary schools attended, taking part in workshops, presentations and receiving wide range of career information from both local and national employers. The young people had the opportunity to learn how the science of podiatry, engineering and technology go hand-in-hand with fashion, media, creative theatre, music and fine art.

Duston Eldean Primary School tweeted: “ Year 5 are enjoying their first show of the day! Our minds are being blown!”

John Sinclair, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology commented: “I was delighted to be able to spend some time at Northamptonshire’s first Big Bang Near Me event. The atmosphere was phenomenal and it was terrific to see the level of buy-in from schools and the excitement and fun among school students as they participated in in the workshops and activities offered by industry partners and our own University staff and students.”

The event was organised in partnership with the University of Northampton, Aspire Northamptonshire and Learn By Design.

Natasha Mycawka, Aspire Schools Engagement Lead at the University of Northampton, said: “The Big Bang event was part of a programme of UK-wide events that aim to get young people excited about the STEAM subjects by bring them to life and showing them how science is all around us and very much part of our everyday lives.  We are exceptionally proud that so many of our students engaged in delivering workshops on the day, sharing their passion and talent with young people from across the county.”