Bringing bright minds together
Experts will join students from across the North East this week at an event that aims to inspire some of the region's brightest young minds.
Around 200 students, aged between 9 and 18, are expected to attend and take part in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Club Fair, on Wednesday 3 March at the Lakeside Centre, Killingworth, from 9 am until 3.20 pm.
The region-wide event has been organised by the STEM Club at George Stephenson High School, Killingworth, to encourage students who are considering further study or careers in STEM subjects, as well as to celebrate the success of STEM after-school club activities.
Special guests include Amanda Whittaker, described as one of Britain's most successful female racing drivers, and her Formula Ford Car, with partner Anthony Dunn, Racing Driver and GoMotorsport Development Officer.
The Robert Stephenson Trust will host an exhibition of the North East's science and engineering heritage, including a Zero-Gauge Hornby Rocket Model.
There'll be a F1 in Schools track where student-built model cars will be propelled at speeds of up to 25 metres per second. The three regional finalists teams from the recent F1 in Schools Challenge will also display their entries.
And the Trewitley Owl Trust will display a selection of owls and birds of prey.
Head teacher at George Stephenson High School, Ian Wilkinson, said: "Today is an opportunity to celebrate and reward those students who get involved in STEM activities and show commitment by working lunchtimes, evenings, weekends and holidays. It is a real privilege to see young people who are so enthusiastic about after-school STEM activities, and the ideas for most of our projects come from the students themselves. "
Cllr George Westwater, Cabinet member for Children, Young People and Learning, added: "It is really important for us to support local and national initiatives to interest young people in STEM subjects and this event will hopefully inspire our students, and students from across the region, to consider pursuing further studies and future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths."
The event is supported by STEM Outreach at Newcastle College. STEM Outreach coordinates over 300 volunteers (STEM Ambassadors) across Tyne and Wear. STEM Ambassadors support schools by giving career talks, delivering workshops and demonstrations and leading discussions about the relevance of STEM knowledge and skills in our lives. STEM Outreach also broker E&E (curriculum enhancement and enrichment) to schools, providing teachers with a single point of contact for a wide array of enrichment opportunities to raise pupils' enthusiasm and understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths.
The event has been funded by the DCSF and STEMNET.
