Peterborough schools sign up to STEM event as local education charity launches rebrand

After becoming an established educational charity throughout the East of England, SETPOINT Hertfordshire has rebranded as STEMPOINT East to reflect its impact on schools within Cambridgeshire.

With an ambition to inspire local schoolchildren to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), the charity is experiencing huge regionwide interest in its free online event, STEM Inspiration Week, which especially aims to inspire girls in Years 8, 9 and 10 to consider STEM subjects.

Over 65 schools across the East of England have already signed up to participate in STEM Inspiration Week, which is set to take place between October 12-16 this year online via Zoom. Peterborough schools signed up so far include: Greater Peterborough UTC, Nene Park Academy and Abbey College, Ramsey.

STEMPOINT East has teamed up with STEM Ambassadors from organisations such as Britvic, AstraZeneca, Unilever and Caterpillar to host a full programme of sessions on STEM topics.

Helen Spencer, Managing Director at STEMPOINT East commented: “It’s an exciting time for STEMPOINT East following our rebrand as we have also created a new website that will allow us to share upcoming opportunities with businesses and schools in Cambridgeshire.

Local teachers can sign up for the virtual event on behalf of their pupils by visiting: www.stempointeast.org.uk

Despite the challenges of lockdown, STEMPOINT East has organised over 1,700 activities in Cambridgeshire, with over 18,300 hours volunteered by STEM Ambassadors to educate schoolchildren on STEM topics between January 2019 and August 2020. Businesses involved in sessions across Cambridgeshire include Pfizer, ARM and TWI.

STEMPOINT East engages school pupils in memorable experiences and by introducing them to professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. They have been running the scheme for 30 years,

Ms Spencer said: “We’re proud that we bring together some of the UK’s most talented and knowledgeable scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians with enthusiastic young minds throughout the East of England. Events such as STEM Inspiration Week have an invaluable role in encouraging schoolchildren to pursue careers in STEM and it’s wonderful to see our programmes generate excitement.”

Richard Wiseman, Professor of the Public Understanding of Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire said: “It is now more important than ever for young people to understand the value of STEM. Science and technology touch every aspect of our lives, and STEMPOINT East provide a vital role in motivating and informing young minds across the region.”

A teacher involved in the scheme added: “I have used STEMPOINT East on many occasions over the years at my school. They have provided exciting and informative workshops that have engaged our children and given them wonderful new experiences. Many years later I am still using the rocket launcher that I built on one of these courses, to fire paper rockets down the corridor.”

By teaming up with STEMPOINT East, businesses will have an opportunity to meet targets for Corporate Social Responsibility, inspire more local talent for recruitment and achieve community outreach goals.

To find out more about becoming a STEM Ambassador or how STEMPOINT East can help your organisation or school visit the new business hub at www.stempointeast.org.uk or email: [email protected]