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Exploring the Future: Year 8 Students Dive into STEM Careers with Virtual Reality

 July 30 2025 | SE England | Views: 345

Regents Park Community College is a mixed 11–16 secondary school in Southampton, known for its focus on respect, pride, creativity, and challenge, supporting students’ academic and personal growth in a safe, inclusive environment.

The school was delighted to be supported by The STEM Hub as part of Engineering UK’s Big Bang at Schools programme, which aims to inspire young people aged 11–14 to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and maths.

On Friday 11 July, around 150 Year 8 students embarked on an unforgettable journey into the world of STEM — all without leaving the building. Thanks to cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) headsets, students were transported into immersive environments that brought STEM careers to life in vivid detail.

From floating aboard the International Space Station with NASA astronauts to witnessing the precision of surgery in a high-tech hospital, students explored a wide range of STEM fields. They virtually walked through car manufacturing plants, observed conservation efforts deep in the rainforest, and even stood on the front lines of climate science.

The event was designed to ignite curiosity and broaden horizons, and it certainly delivered. Students were visibly thrilled — gasping in awe, asking insightful questions, and eagerly discussing their experiences with peers and teachers alike.

One student shared: “I never thought I’d be interested in a medical career, I just thought you could be a doctor or a nurse. But seeing how many different jobs are involved in a hospital was amazing!” Another added: “I felt like I was really in space — it made me want to learn more about becoming an astronaut.”

Teachers noted a remarkable level of engagement, with many students expressing newfound interest in STEM subjects and careers. The event not only showcased the power of immersive technology in education but also highlighted the vast and exciting opportunities available in STEM industries.

This VR experience was more than just a fun day — it was a glimpse into the future, both for the students and the world they will help shape.

Images supplied by Regents Park Community College


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