March 14 2023 | Essex | Views: 558
During British Science Week 10-19 March, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College hosted its popular annual science related STEM event on Tuesday 14 March 2023. The event was supported by The STEM Hub as part of Engineering UK’s Big Bang at Schools programme aimed at young people aged 11-14 years.
The day consisted of two aspects: the student competition, where local primary and secondary students exhibited their STEM projects, and the interactive STEM Careers Fair, providing local companies and organisations the opportunity to promote careers within their industry.
The event was well attended with over 600 students from Years 5 to Year 11 from local schools who were able to learn about STEM careers in a fun and engaging way.
Students started the day by exhibiting their STEM projects which were judged by individuals from STEM backgrounds. These included around fourteen STEM Ambassadors and some parents/alumni from the school, who were all amazed by the brilliance of the projects and the attitude of the young people who presented.
Young people were also able to engage and take part in numerous activities put on by the exhibitors to excite them about careers in STEM. Exhibitors included Stansted Airport, MBDA, Morgan Sindall, Beard and Fitch, ARC Group London, Arrow Electronics, Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS, Charles River Pharmaceuticals and Crop Physiologist.
Amy Packer, STEM Ambassador and Social Value Manager at Arc Group London said: “It was a pleasure to support the event as an exhibitor. I was able to advise the next generation of young people about the diverse careers available to them within the construction industry and how the roles relate to STEM.”
Event Lead, Claire Ruthven, Lead Practitioner at Herts, Essex, Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes Science Learning Partnerships said: “The students and teachers had an absolute blast at our annual Big Bang Fair. There was such a buzz and the students exhibiting maintained their enthusiasm for explaining their projects to our many visitors, most of whom are much older than themselves, throughout the day.
“The judges were so impressed at the creativity, enthusiasm and communication skills displayed by all the students. I am always blown away by how eloquent the students are and it is a delight to watch their confidence grow as the day goes on.”
One Year 9 student said: “I really enjoyed building the robot especially the coding aspect. It was great to spend time with Ella and work together as a team. During the science fair I feel the interactions with not only the judges but the students as well, which helped me gain confidence and improve my presentation skills.”
A Year 9 Teacher commented: “The pupils had a fantastic time visiting the fair and were buzzing for the rest of the day. They are now very excited to start working on their own projects.”
The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College was grateful to everyone who helped make the event a huge success and no doubt planning has already started for 2024!
(All images supplied by BigBang.)
