Dartmouth’s STEM event proves a hit with local youngsters

Before breaking for summer, pupils from three schools – Stoke Fleming and Galmpton Primaries, plus Dartmouth Academy – were encouraged to apply their STEM knowledge in contexts that make connections between the classroom and the world around them, guided by BRNC personnel.
 
Each school had a two-hour session packed with activities: drone flying, robot coding, bridge building, completing electrical circuits, propeller making and tasks to challenge hand/eye coordination skills.
 
The event was organised by Lieutenant Rob Bullock, HQ Training Manager at the RN Leadership Academy, and delivered by the RN (Southwest) STEM delivery team, one of the Royal Navy’s four STEM cells.
 
Aimed at children from Year 6 level upwards, the goal is give them a real-life chance to put what they are taught in the classroom into reality.
 
“Seeing the wonder on the children’s faces when they practically applied lessons taught in the classroom to the real world was fantastic,” said Rob. “We are already planning next year’s event and hope to widen the net to other schools in the area.”
 
The long-term goal of such STEM events is to inspire youngsters to consider a career making use of STEM skills – be it in the military, or in civvy street.
 
The children ended the day by meeting Dartmouth’s Captain Captain Andy Bray, who presented them with a STEM Challenge Coin on the steps of the parade ground.
 
Feedback from the three schools was incredibly positive – so much so that  they’ve already signed up again for next year’s event.