School to partner firms to inspire engineers of future

The new Bohunt academy, in Worthing, plans to introduce STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – to its curriculum, like its current school in Liphook, Hampshire.

Academy bosses are now seeking businesses to help bring the curriculum to life.

Head teacher Adam Whitehead said: “We are incredibly excited about our STEM teaching being introduced to Bohunt School Worthing.

“We hope these lessons will help to develop future generations of world-class engineers right here in West Sussex.

“Even for those who don’t decide to pursue future careers in STEM-related subjects, the classes will give them the skills needed to succeed in any workplace.”

The Liphook pilot partner saw firms such as Siemens and Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL) work with the school.

The companies have helped devise lesson plans, deliver workshops and provide one-to-one mentorship to students who show an interest in pursuing a future career in STEM.

Graduates from Siemens work with students on a Green Cities challenge, where students design an environmentally sustainable city for the future.

Bohunt Education Trust chief executive Neil Strowger said: “The STEM curriculum is an important part of the education we will bring to Worthing.

“We are looking for companies in the area we can partner with to help inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM subjects.

“Education for us is far more than simply outstanding examination results. The STEM curriculum shows our commitment to giving students the skills, attitudes and ambition to stand-out and succeed long after they have left us.”

The school said the curriculum had already begun to inspire students.

More than 70 per cent say they are considering a career in a STEM-related subject, while 55 per cent are interested in finding out more about jobs in space industries.

Audrey Bowie, project manager at Siemens, who has worked closely with students on the project, said: “If I can inspire one student to learn more about the world around them, or better still, encourage them onto a career path where they are designing and building the future, I’m happy.

“If I can inspire lots of students to take this path then I will be over the moon.”

SSTL engineering director Tony Holt said his business fully endorsed the curriculum.

“We are delighted to be associated with Bohunt Education Trust,” he said.

“We fully endorse the innovative curriculum they have introduced and the excellent work it is doing in order to encourage more young people to take up careers in STEM.”

For more information about the STEM curriculum and contact details for the Bohunt team to get on board with the new Worthing project, visit www.bohunt.hants.sch.uk