New project inspires young engineers at a Croydon academy
The project aims to help young people reach their full potential in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
Oasis Academy Shirley Park. PHOTO: Oasis Academy Shirley Park
Submitted by Cadent Foundation
Students at Oasis Academy Shirley Park in Croydon, London, have taken part in a new after school project to help young people reach their full potential in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Over the course of six weeks, students will engage in various hands-on activities such as building rockets and designing rollercoasters as a way of using problem solving-based learning to explore key engineering themes.
As well as improving academic performance, the clubs also help children develop essential life skills such as self-confidence, positive decision-making, teamwork and communication.
By experimenting through engineering, the clubs are designed to bring STEM to life in a way that is accessible and exciting.
The project is funded by a £100,000 grant from the Cadent Foundation.
The CASE Clubs (Cadent Foundation After-School Science & Engineering) are being run by education and youth charity, City Year UK.
The sessions are run by near-peer volunteer mentors, aged 18 to 25, and employees from Cadent Gas will also support the mentors as STEM role models.
Each student who takes part in the project will receive a British Science Association CREST Award, a nationally recognised scheme for student-led projects in STEM subjects.
One Year 7 student at Oasis Academy Shirley Park said: "I am interested in the Cadent club because there's a lot of detail in making things like rockets and rollercoasters and the more detailed, the more fun."
A design and technology teacher at Oasis Academy Shirley Park said: "It's a great opportunity for students to inspire them with modern technology and everyone should get the chance to experience it in life."
The CASE Clubs are being rolled out in 15 schools across London and the West Midlands.
Kevin Munday, chief executive at City Year UK, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Cadent Foundation for this funding which is helping us to tackle educational inequality and engage more children in creative STEM learning activities.
"Around 30 per cent of children are growing up in poverty in the UK and too often, their prospects are linked to how much their family earns.
"By age 11, less than half of pupils entitled to free school meals reach the standards expected in reading, writing and maths.
"Children who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school, build confidence and gain social skills, however children from deprived communities are three times less likely to participate in extracurricular activities compared to their wealthier peers.”
Julia Dwyer, director of the Cadent Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be able to support City Year UK with this exciting new project.
"As technologies continue to develop and create innovative job opportunities, we need to prepare to meet those needs.
"By investing in STEM education and exposing students to hands-on STEM experiences we will ensure that they have the skill sets needed to build the strong and sustainable communities of the future.
“Through the CASE Clubs young people will have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge, gain valuable insights into STEM careers and be better equipped to access opportunities to become the next generation of scientists, computer programmers, technicians and engineers.”
For more information about City Year UK, including how you can apply to become a volunteer mentor or if you want to know more about how your school can get involved, visit here.
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