AWE is working in partnership with Queen Mary’s College and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver a series of fun science workshops on the theme Journey to Space for primary children across Basingstoke and North Hampshire.
AWE’s Community Engagement Manager, Philippa Kent, who runs the company’s award-winning schools programme, said: ‘British Science week is a great opportunity to raise the profile of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in our local schools. We are delighted to be working in partnership with QMC and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver this great fun programme of activities, designed jointly by AWE scientists and staff at the college’s Science Centre.”
Around 250 pupils are expected to take part in the workshops which are being hosted by the college and delivered by a team of AWE Scientists. Sessions are running Monday to Wednesday March 11-13 – with transport for schools being provided by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Ali Foss, Principal of Queen Mary’s College said:
“Queen Mary’s College has a long-held reputation for delivering, supporting and championing high quality science education across the Basingstoke region. To this end we are pleased to be working in partnership with AWE and Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council to support this exciting week of events for budding scientists from our local primary schools.”
Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound added: “We are delighted to work in partnership with AWE and Queen Mary’s College to celebrate British Science Week. Inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers is key to the long-term economic success of our borough, which is home to many innovative businesses.
“The amazing facilities at the Science Centre at the college, which have been supported by AWE for many years, offer primary school pupils the chance to have a first-hand experience of the world of opportunities science and engineering can open up for them.”
Later in the week, (Thursday March 14) AWE is sponsoring activities at its local secondary School – The Hurst Community College, which will be run by the Royal Institution’s ‘Science in Schools‘ team. There will be two interactive science shows during the school day for around 400 students, an event for science staff and a community science event for 200 children and parents in the evening.
The Company is also sharing stories of career journeys of AWE scientists by publishing a series of inspirational case studies on our British Science Week web page on awe.co.uk which will go live on March 8.
AWE ‘s Deputy Chief Scientist, Norman Godfrey, is delighted that the AWE is sponsoring and running activities for British Science Week. He said ‘As one of the largest STEM employers in the local area we believe that it is part of our role to help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology specialists. “
The demonstrations at The Hurst will feature Energy LIVE! an exciting audience-led show.
Lively, fire-based demonstrations take the intimidation out of the technical terminology and show you just how simple this subject can be.
Mark Brimson, the Hurst’s Assistant Headteacher, said: “‘As a community school, The Hurst has always valued working with partners across the locality and across the voluntary, public and private sectors. We really value our partnership with AWE, which has been longstanding and mutually beneficial. It is important that our students consider the apprenticeship and career opportunities that are offered at AWE, a significant local employer. The high-quality outreach work that AWE provides, particularly in terms of STEM enrichment experiences, is simply outstanding.”
Colleagues from Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) are also supporting British Science Week – providing a sniffer dog demonstration for pupils at North Waltham primary school on Thursday!
Members of the media are invited to attend the workshops at QMC at 10am on Tuesday March 12. If you are interested in taking up this opportunity, please email [email protected] no later than Thursday March 7th.