STEM donations inspire future generations

The contributions are helping the youngsters from 19 local schools – both primary and secondary – in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subject learning, with teachers purchasing everything from science equipment and electronic Smartboards to funding trips to the local science centre.

The schools being supported through donations are: New Forest Academy; Wildground Junior School; Wildground Infants; Beaulieu Village; Marchwood Junior; Marchwood Infants; Hythe Primary; Waterside Primary; Orchard Infants; Orchard Junior; Hamble Primary; Hamble Community Sports College; Hounsdown; Applemore College; Noadswood School; Cadland Primary; Fawley Infants; Manor Infants and Blackfield Primary.

And the schools say the extra help is enabling them to buy equipment and to take part in activities they would otherwise not be able to afford.

Orchard Infants’ School in Dibden recently took pupils on a visit to Winchester Science Centre where they had an enjoyable time watching live scientific experiments and exploring new activities such as launching rockets.

"The Year R children had an awesome adventure at the Winchester Science Centre. They explored the space hub, built and launched their very own rockets and ventured through the galaxy in the planetarium. They were all fantastic and had the best time," said their teacher.

Waterside Primary has purchased special equipment to allow the pupils to explore light and sound, as well as Lego sets for its growing construction club.

And Noadswood School used its donation to buy digital weather stations and power packs.

Laura Woods, Geography Lead Practitioner said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding.

“The difference this will make to our pupils is huge - we genuinely can’t say thanks enough!“

With its donation, New Forest Academy bought a selection of science equipment for its STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths – club, as well as organising trips to the Winchester Science Centre for its year 7 and 8 students.

The funding also enabled it to invite guest speakers and hold virtual lectures in the targeted subjects into the school and to run a virtual space-related competition for pupils.

Adam Drury, Assistant Vice Principal, said: “The trips to the Science Centre is an opportunity that these students wouldn’t be able to experience without this funding. 

“Students are also currently working to build a combustion engine remote control aeroplane. Once complete the team will be tasked with challenges such as towing a banner and increasing efficiency, speed and manoeuvrability.  

“New Forest Academy is incredibly grateful to be supported by ExxonMobil. We are working hard to inspire and enthuse the next generation of engineers, scientists, designers, mathematicians etc. and this is made all the easier with this help.” 

Louise Leavy, Organisation Development Manager at ExxonMobil Fawley, said: “Encouraging the next generation of young people to take an interest in science and engineering is vitally important to the future of our profession.

“I am glad we are able to play our part by helping so many of our local schools to nurture this interest.”