University’s STEM event is a hit with county school pupils

Pupils from four Northamptonshire schools spent their half-term holiday at a University of Northampton programme designed to give them an insight into careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Thirty Year 9 and 10 pupils attended the Routes into STEM three-day event, which was held at Tresham College, Corby, in conjunction with the college and national construction company Costain/Galliford Try

The schools taking part were Wrenn School, Wellingborough; Manor School and Sports College, Raunds; Kingsthorpe College, Northampton and Kingswood Secondary Academy, Corby.

The pupils experienced short introductions to a variety of subjects; experienced two in-depth workshops on geography and environmental science as well as computer science; met with current UON students to gain an insight into life at university and visited Costain/Galliford Try at its site at junction 15 of the M1 motorway, to learn about road construction.

The University’s Changemaker Schools Engagement Team funded 20 of the 30 places, with pupils nominated for a place by their teachers.

Not only did those taking part gain more knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM subjects, they also earned an Industrial Cadets bronze award – find out more about the scheme on the website.

Some of the pupils have secured work experience with Costain/Galliford Try as a result of the event.