The parent company of one of the borough’s leading industrial enterprises has teamed up with a science body to launch an initiative to bring science and engineering into the classroom.
Buckinghamshire-based URENCO, which has a major site at Capenhurst, has boosted its community engagement nationally following the introduction of a major programme for schools throughout the country.
The nuclear fuel company’s complex at Capenhurst already runs science workshops for primary schools within a 15 mile radius of the site. The new initiative will be in addition to the local workshops.
URENCO has collaborated with the British Science Association, one of the UK’s top science organisations, to develop new classroom materials as part of the ‘CREST Star’ award scheme for primary schools.
The materials form the basis of exciting classroom activities which aim to promote an interest in science and engineering and encourage further insight into the principles behind nuclear energy.
The collaboration was inspired by URENCO’s Richie programme which is key part of the company’s school and education activities. Richie, an animated character, acts as the ambassador of the programme.
The materials will enable primary school age children to solve science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) problems through practical investigation.
Simon Bowen, managing director of URENCO UK at Capenhurst, said: “Developing talent in sciences and engineering is critical if we are to ensure our energy sector has the appropriate skill set in years to come.
“Research shows that primary school is the best place to start nurturing an interest in topics such as low-carbon energy and new technologies.”
Chief executive of the British Science Association, Imran Khan, said: “If we’re going to create a more scientifically literate public and a more scientific culture it’s vital that young people are exposed to the creative and engaging reality of how science works rather than learning facts and figures alone. URENCO’s support for our CREST Star scheme is a huge boost to this mission.
“It will go a long way to making science and scientific careers more accessible to people from all walks of life.”
