Year 7 students from Shireland Collegiate Academy explored the wide range of opportunities available within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) during a visit to The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair at the NEC in Birmingham.
At the fair, students took part in hands-on STEM activities, interactive challenges and live experiences designed to showcase the breadth of careers available across the sector. They also had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals, including scientists, engineers and technicians, gaining insight into how classroom learning connects to real-world applications and the skills needed for future careers.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “Experiences like The Big Bang Fair play an important role in helping our students understand the relevance of their learning and the opportunities it can lead to. At Shireland, we want our students to develop the confidence, knowledge and ambition to make informed decisions about their futures.
“Introducing students to STEM professionals and different career pathways at an early stage helps them see possibilities available to them and understand how the skills they develop in the classroom can be applied beyond school. Experiences like this encourage curiosity, broaden aspirations and help our young people recognise the potential they have to shape their own future.”
The visit formed part of the Academy’s commitment to providing students with meaningful experiences that support learning beyond the classroom, raise aspirations and help young people explore the pathways available to them as they begin to explore future careers and destinations.