AN educational initiative designed to increase students’ interest in maths, science and engineering has been completed at Balbriggan Educate Together National School.
The STEAM Education programme is designed for students in fifth and sixth class. It aims to increase awareness of a wide variety of careers available in STEAM sectors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) from an early age.
These include life science, pharma, biomedical engineering, technology, financial, civil, construction, engineering and many other related fields.
The innovative programme matches STEAM experts who work in the finance, industrial, pharmaceutical and engineering sectors with primary school teachers and their classes for 10 weeks.
During this period, students engage with maths, science and engineering in a fun and stimulating environment.
These experts include employees from companies such as Alexion, AIB, Stripe, Poppulo, DePuy Synthes, Sisk, BAM and ARUP. They work with primary school teachers to implement different elements of the STEAM programme, such as Science-in-a-box, Engineering-in-a-Box and Maths-in-a-box weekly.
The programme is the result of a partnership between Fingal County Council, Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and STEAM Education Ltd.
Speaking about the partnership, Gráinne Bagnall, Program Lead at STEAM Education, said: “We are delighted and thankful to have Fingal County Council in collaboration with Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce on board with experts from local businesses.
“Working together in such a partnership with local industry experts/co-teachers, students, teachers and Principal Marian Griffin, from Educate Together National School, we can inspire kids to love STEAM subjects and visualise STEM+A careers for their future. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership in the years to come.”
Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire, said the programme allows students to discover science, technology, engineering and maths in an exciting and inspiring way.
“Balbriggan has a diverse, vibrant and talented population of young people who have the potential to contribute hugely to the future of Fingal so I am delighted to see that the programme has been implemented here,” said Cllr Maguire.