ENGINEERING THEIR WAY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

On Thursday 13^th November, Year 9 Mosslands students put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics skills to the test in a one-day challenge supported by Tomorrow’s Engineers and set by educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust. Working in small groups, the event was designed to enhance students’ aptitude for lateral thinking, design and engineering and was especially geared to complement the National Curriculum.

The fifty pupils worked on the Sustainable Island Project where students worked in small teams on developing electricity from a renewable source and helping to sustain the island’s water supply. The 13 and 14 year old students designed and built a wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of energy. They were also challenged to design and make a dam system that prevented water leaving the island and joining the sea to avoid wasting water and to reduce the need for an extensive desalination programme. The project not only had time constraints, but also budgetary and aesthetical requirements.

Education Officer for The Smallpeice Trust, Joshua Payne said, “We are most grateful to Tomorrow’s Engineers for supporting these inspirational events. The migration towards low carbon energy and a more sustainable way of life requires technological change, which is why it is important that we enthuse young people to consider engineering as a viable future career.”

Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of Engineering UK, said: “By the time today’s school pupils are of working age, the UK is going to need over 2.2 million new engineers to meet industry demands. Working together with the wider engineering community, Tomorrow’s Engineers has established a reputation for inspiring pupils and their teachers about engineering. A recent survey showed the positive impact of the programme on teachers and young people alike, with more of them understanding what engineering is all about and showing an interest in a career in it. I’m sure pupils involved in this Smallpeice project will be similarly inspired.”

The school’s Career Connect Careers Adviser Brian Taylor and  Mr  Nigel Roberts, Assistant Director of Learning for Technology said, “We were delighted to have this opportunity. It has encouraged our pupils to connect what they learn inside the classroom with what actually happens in the working environment. By participating in this event, we have found that many of our students have been inspired to push themselves harder in STEM subjects to achieve their future goals.”