Client: npower

Project: enthuse

Summary

In order to enhance the profile of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects within schools, npower commissioned By Design to help deliver an interactive programme, enthuse, in designated areas across England and Wales.  By Design, in conjunction with npower engineers and scientists, have designed, developed and currently deliver a series of exploratory workshops for Year 9 (13-14 year old) students that profile the role and careers of Scientists and Engineers.

Objective

As a major employer in the STEM area, npower wanted to ensure that students were aware of the potential career options in those subjects, prior to making their GCSE choices.

The programme needed to be informative, accurate and at the same time attention grabbing in order to deliver the messages in a positive light for the students.  It had to provide enough variety to engage the whole ability range of an entire year group of students, both male and female, throughout the day.

Solution

Working with a small team of npower engineers and scientists, By Design devised a five workshop programme, which highlights the variety of careers, entry requirements, benefits, roles and background information on the industry – from apprenticeships to undergraduate degrees.

The programme involves a mixture of presentations, practical workshops and problem solving activities all requiring the students to use a range of soft skills including communication, presentation, creative thinking and team work skills.  The five interactive workshops were themed on the following topics:

• Facts & Fiction – the facts behind careers in STEM are discussed with students.
• Bright Ideas – a ‘Dragons Den’ style session where groups of students ‘pitch’ their bright idea.
• Design and Build – students are asked to solve an engineering puzzle by designing, building and testing a catapult!
• Supply the Demand – students are required to solve the conundrum of a balanced source of power generation for the future of the UK.
• Interact – an expo style session profiling the power generation industry

The students all receive a support workbook for the day's activities, whilst a follow on information book and Science and ICT extension worksheets are also provided to the school for future use.

Results

The programme has made a positive impact with students, with feedback from students and teaching staff extremely positive.  npower have also been delighted with the programme which now enters it’s third year of delivery in 2009 and will include approximately 30 days of delivery throughout the UK.