A WOKINGHAM school hosted a subject fair designed to inspire not only its own pupils, but those from 19 other borough schools.
As well as encouraging youngsters to participate in STEM subjects, the fair also aimed to challenge some of the stereotypes that persist around gender and employment.
Evendons Primary School’s educational day shone a light on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Companies were invited to share their knowledge and interest with the children, including: Johnson and Johnson, Thames Water, BP, Rockwell, and Wilmott Dixon.
There were 35 exhibitors, and 500 children from 20 schools, who took part in the STEM fair.
The youngsters explored topics in small groups, trying activities such as extracting DNA from strawberries, puting on virtual reality headsets, experiencing static electricity, and blending smoothies on a bicycle by way of force transmission.
They were also able to drive a Formula 1 car simulator brought in by Splunk (who work with McLaren), and built a real-size functioning go-cart.
Some of the older students involved younger ones in science experiments like volcanic explosions and microscopic observation, while companies and volunteers shared their knowledge and interest in astronomy, geology, biology, physics, architecture, chemistry and medical science.
School STEM Lead Catherine Reeves, who organised the fair, said: “The children have relished the opportunity to talk to and engage with professionals, teachers and enthusiasts from the world of STEM, and to get their hands on exciting equipment.
“The STEM fair is a wonderful way to introduce them to a whole host of inspiring and diverse role models, to widen their understanding of the world of work, and to raise their aspirations.”
Karina in Year 5 said: “ I loved the STEM fair because the really fun activities taught me about the different jobs I could do in science when I am older.”
Headteacher Stacey Read said: “I’m so grateful to Catherine for all her work on this, it was a huge fair and a lot of work has gone into organising such an interesting day.
“A big thank you also goes to all the companies and the volunteers who took part.
“Their enthusiasm in meeting and teaching the children about their area of expertise has been invaluable.”
Evendons Primary School is OFSTED rated as outstanding, and is the first STEM school in the area.
For more information, visit: www.evendons-primary.co.uk
