Crawley STEMfest and The Big Bang Fair South East Evaluation Report

May-June 2016

The purpose of STEMfest is to give young people the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and developments, interact with local businesses and discover more about potential career paths in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

www.crawleySTEMfest.co.uk

T: 01273 641874

E: [email protected]

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Crawley STEMfest 2016 was organised by STEM Sussex, the STEM outreach department of the University of Brighton, in partnership with Crawley Borough Council and Central Sussex College. The headline sponsor was Crawley-based CGG, the world’s leading geophysical company.

www.crawleySTEMfest.co.uk

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Contents

Executive Summary ...... 4 Fast Stats ...... 4 Introduction ...... 5 Impact of Crawley STEMfest ...... 6 Growth of Crawley STEMfest ...... 7 Events ...... 8 Launch and Comedy Evening ...... 8 STEM in the Park ...... 9 STEM in the Stacks ...... 9 Big Bang Fair South East ...... 10 Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition ...... 12 Activities ...... 14 In-school activities ...... 14 Site visits ...... 15 Other STEMfest Activities ...... 15 Press Coverage ...... 16 Get involved ...... 19 Employers ...... 19 Schools ...... 19 Conclusion ...... 19 Quotes ...... 20 Contact and further information ...... 23 Partner Websites ...... 23

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Executive Summary

The fifth Crawley STEMfest included a series of interactive activities, shows, workshops and events that took place in schools and throughout the community during May and June 2016. Its aim is to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

This action-packed festival included events suitable for young people, their teachers or parents, and the general public. STEM in the Park showed families different elements of STEM through fun and interactive activities, and showcased the local careers available. The official launch took place on , where guests relaxed with some science-based comedy after hearing about Crawley STEMfest and different pathways into STEM careers.

Both primary and secondary teachers were presented with a fully-sponsored range of activities to take place in their schools. Linked to the curriculum, these workshops and shows were designed to show that STEM is interesting and accessible to all. Additionally, some local employers opened their doors and invited students to see what real scientists and engineers do.

Crawley STEMfest culminated in the Big Bang Fair South East – an exciting day with over 200 hands-on activities, workshops and shows. More than 8,000 attended on 29th June at the South of England Showground, making it the biggest regional fair in the country and four times the size of the original Big Bang Fair South East in 2012.

Fast Stats

• 25 of the 32 Crawley schools took part in Crawley STEMfest (all 6 secondary schools, the FE college, the special school and 17 of the primary schools) • 9,378 Crawley young people were engaged in Crawley STEMfest activities o The number of young people is 16,942 when Big Bang Fair South East attendees from outside of Crawley are included • 190 different employers took part in at least one Crawley STEMfest activity • 24 STEM-related activities at STEM in the Park with an estimated footfall of more than 1,200 • 8,472 students and teachers at Big Bang Fair South East (with a total footfall of 9,546) o 908 Crawley students from 13 schools attended Big Bang Fair South East • 230 activities delivered at Big Bang Fair South East by 728 individuals from 176 organisations

To get involved in Crawley STEMfest and the Big Bang Fair South East 2017, or to find out more, please see: www.crawleySTEMfest.co.uk or email: [email protected]

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Introduction

Crawley STEMfest is now in its fifth year and aims to inspire the next generation to study and build careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and to develop the tools and techniques that will drive the economy of the future. It aims to excite, educate, stimulate and enthuse young people about opportunities in STEM, through a series of in-school activities, employer engagements and public events.

Crawley is an important economic centre with a diverse range of businesses, above average earning profile, and representation from businesses that require technical and skilled staff. Employers are keen to recruit from the local community and want to encourage local young people to study STEM.

Crawley STEMfest has grown significantly since the inaugural event in 2012, with more activities and many more people involved. 2016 included workshops and activities in local schools, tours with employers, a launch / comedy night on Manor Royal, a major public event (STEM in the Park) in Crawley town centre and the Big Bang Fair South East (part of a nationwide programme).

Crawley STEMfest is organised by STEM Sussex, the outreach department of the University of Brighton, in partnership with Crawley Borough Council and Central Sussex College. The headline sponsor since the inception is CGG, the world’s leading geophysical organisation.

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Impact of Crawley STEMfest

Stakeholders from the Crawley community were surveyed to assess how well the festival was achieving each of the aims. The table below shows the percentage of people who agreed we were meeting or mostly meeting these aims. Stakeholders included representatives from local authority, professional bodies and volunteers, as well as representatives from participating companies.

Crawley STEMfest aims Teachers Employers & other stakeholders Enabling young people and the wider community to make 85.8% 100% informed decisions about future career paths in and from STEM Supporting industry in reducing the STEM skills gap n/a 81.2% Supporting teachers in delivery of the STEM curricula 71.5% n/a Raising the profile of STEM in the area 100% 93.8% Raising aspirations around STEM education and STEM careers 100% n/a

Nationally, EngineeringUK have monitored feedback from various STEM-related events, and their brand monitor shows the national average. The tables below show the percentage of people who agreed or strongly agreed with the statements. Crawley STEMfest in-school activities and the Big Bang Fair South East have performed well compared to the national average

How much would you say you know about what people working in the following areas do? Subject EEBM (UK) CSF in-school Big Bang Fair SE BB Competition Science 42% 64% 64% 85% Technology 46% 59% 57% 82% Engineering 30% 50% 55% 87% Maths (no record) 76% 47% 59%

How desirable do you believe a career in the following areas to be? Subject EEBM (UK) CSF in-school Big Bang Fair SE BB Competition Science 49% 65% 62% 86% Technology 57% 60% 59% 73% Engineering 43% 49% 51% 87% Maths (no record) 70% 50% 50%

How positive or negative is your view each of the following? Subject EEBM (UK) CSF in-school Big Bang Fair SE BB Competition Science 64% 74% 66% 95% Technology 71% 75% 71% 78% Engineering 47% 62% 60% 76% Maths 62% 74% 64% 91%

The knowledge and positive views of engineering and technology may reflect the large number of these types of organisations based in Crawley and on Manor Royal.

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Growth of Crawley STEMfest

Crawley STEMfest has shown a steady growth since its inception in 2012.

Number of Crawley schools Number of Crawley schools

participating in Crawley STEMfest attending Big Bang Fair South East 25 14 12 20 8 7 10 8 15 8 7 5 5 10 6 4 17 6 5 15 4 5 4 9 6 2 4 4 5 5 3 2 0 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Primary Secondary Primary Secondary

The six secondary schools in Crawley, along with Manor Green College and Central Sussex College all participated in some aspect of Crawley STEMfest for the first time in 2016. 17 of the 23 local primary schools participated, as did Brook Infants School. Two Crawley schools were unable to attend the Big Bang Fair South East at the last minute, and will be approached (along with the others who have not attended) for 2017, to make sure all schools have this opportunity.

Number of Crawley students at Big Total number of students at Big Bang

Bang Fair South East Fair South East

1000 9000 8000 800 7000 6000 600 5000 908 4000 8472 400 804 7306 703 3000 5300 200 357 2000 302 3080 1000 1980

0 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

The Big Bang Fair South East continues to grow in size – both in number of attendees from local schools, and total number of attendees from across the South East.

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Events

Crawley STEMfest changes its programme slightly each year, after gathering feedback from teachers, employers and other stakeholders. Based on the success of the 2015 combined town centre event, STEM in the Square, another community event was held this year, in Memorial Gardens. An additional event was put on in Crawley Library, and Manor Royal once again hosted a comedy night.

Launch and Comedy Evening

Thursday 14th April 2016, 17:00-19:00

For the second time the official Crawley STEMfest launch was combined with the Manor Royal Comedy evening. Guests from local industry and education were invited to view partner organisation stands, as well as view the engineering project work from Hazelwick School and the maths STEM Club projects from .

Guests were welcomed by Steve Sawyer, Executive Director of the Manor Royal Business District (and sponsor of the comedy evening), who gave the background on Crawley STEMfest and why STEM is so important to Crawley employers.

Angie Bines, a former Hazelwick and Central Sussex College student, explained how she ‘accidentally’ became an engineer. An inspirational journey that led her via art and retail to working in aerospace engineering!

The second keynote address was given by Jeremy Palmer, a STEM Ambassador from headline sponsor CGG, who gave some background into how he got into STEM and also showed the challenges facing CGG, as well as many other employers on Manor Royal, and how events like STEMfest are able to help.

The light part of the evening was provided by Steve Cross, a comedian from ‘Science Showoff’ who answered challenging questions such as “what makes hamster cheeks so elastic?” and “what is the optimum coffee intake for successful scienceing?” An irreverent look at some serious science questions and some memorable stories about animals!

Steve Sawyer Angie Bines Jeremy Palmer Steve Cross

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STEM in the Park

Saturday 14th May 2016, 10:00-15:00

For the second time a large-scale community event was held in Crawley town centre. People were invited to the Memorial Gardens to find out more about the large variety of STEM opportunities on offer locally. Crawley-based CGG, Elekta and Siemens were among the employers who brought an interactive activity that demonstrated a unique STEM-related aspect of their jobs. Other activities showcased STEM in general, and included a robotic elephant (big enough to ride!), a solar-powered car, snakes, lizards and microscopes.

Central Sussex College showcased both the engineering and healthcare courses they have on offer in Crawley, and local universities Brighton, Sussex and Kingston were there showcasing STEM courses. The Science Museum came along with the “most disgusting show in the world” and roaming ‘mathsmagicians’ showed young people maths IS magic. There was also a focus on apprenticeships and different routes into STEM.

STEM in the Stacks

Wednesday 1st June 2016, 10:00-16:00

A new STEMfest event was held at Crawley Library during half-term. Children aged 7-11 (and their parents) could book onto fun STEM workshops at the first STEM in the Stacks.

The local Code Club ran a session teaching young people to programme a simple game using Scratch. STEM Sussex ran their ‘robot wars’ workshop, where children designed and built their own ‘antweight’ robots, then competed in a series of challenges, including football and sumo.

The Library also ran some drop-in activities, combining maths and art in interesting ways.

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Big Bang Fair South East

Wednesday 29th June 2016, 10:00-15:00

The Big Bang is a UK-wide programme that brings science and engineering to life for young people. The Big Bang celebrates and raises the profile of young people’s achievements in science and engineering, as well as encourages more young people to take part in STEM initiatives.

This is the fifth year that STEM Sussex has run the Big Bang Fair South East as the culmination of Crawley STEMfest, and once again there was significant growth both in terms of activities and attendance. In its first year the event was held at the Hawth in Crawley with almost 2,000 attendees. Due to the growth in popularity, the last three years have been held at the South of England Showground.

The Big Bang Fair South East aims to raise awareness, improve perception and inspire young people to consider careers in STEM disciplines.

Attendees The event was aimed at young people aged 9-19, and attendees came from colleges, secondary schools and primary schools. There were a total of 8,472 attendees at the Big Bang Fair South East, making their way from different schools right across the South East of England. The map below shows schools attended from as far away as east Kent and the Isle of Wight! There were also community groups, home educators and parents in attendance.

81.8% of teachers felt the students had a better understanding of the real-world application of classroom learning,

90.4% of students enjoyed the day, with more than half of them saying the event made them think about what they want to do in the future.

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Activities The Big Bang Fair South East is a chance for young people to experience the rich and varied careers STEM can offer them, through a series of interactive shows, workshops, demonstrations and activities. It also gives teachers the opportunity to make lasting links with employers across the region. The activities come from a range of providers, including HE and FE institutions, science outreach organisations and professional bodies, as well as employers.

There were 230 different activities delivered at the Big Bang Fair South East by 728 individuals from 176 organisations. Too many to list in full, some of the highlights (including local employers) were:

• AJW Aviation – world leading specialist in supply and repair of commercial aircraft parts • Atkins – engineers and environmental specialists working on large infrastructure projects • Brooklands Museum – Formula One simulator, plus chance to make model racing car • Central Sussex College – healthcare activities, plus pneumatics and electronic systems • CGG – exploring geoscience with microscopes, raspberry pi computers and wave machines • Clarkson Evans – basic wiring with apprentices from UK’s leading electrical contractor • Crawley Borough Council –ultra violet light box to see germs and promote healthy living • Creative Assembly – leading games developers show latest developments in gaming • Diamond Light Source – cutting-edge science with the national synchrotron light source • Doosan – construct a predetermined pipe system, and text logic and manual dexterity • Eagle Heights – get up close and personal to Alaska the bald eagle and other birds of prey • Edwards – keep a quadcopter grounded in a vacuum chamber, or expand marshmallows • Elekta – knock out bad cancer cells using the ‘precise cannon’ to aim at paper cups • Eurotherm by Schneider Electric – Python programming on a raspberry pi computer • Exploring Senses – a live pop-up miniature maker space, the ‘Young Inventors Centre’ • –latest check-in technology and real-time airfield view system • GCHQ – send encrypted messages, crack a code to open a safe, or use a robotic arm • GSK – interactive exercises to help you do more, feel better, and live longer • Institution of Mechanical Engineers – slot car hill climb and Formula student racing car • Kier – design and build a self-supporting structure with local construction company • Kreston Reeves – maths challenge with chartered accountants and financial advisors • Mott MacDonald – renewable energy shown through model wind turbines • Network Rail – drainage techniques, lego signalling systems, arch bridges, and drones • NHS – biomedical scientists and pathologists demonstrate different STEM roles at the NHS • Now Press Play – headphones and stories to re-enact bouncing across the surface of Mars • Observatory Science Centre – explore Destination Space Project and take a selfie with Tim • Photek – light and particle detectors used in telescopes and aircraft missile systems • Pyroban – 3D inventor workstation demonstrates 3D components and assemblies • Ricardo – multi-industry consultancy developing engineering solutions for clean vehicles • Robogals – encouraging girls into STEM using Lego Mindstorms, sensors and motors • Science Oxford – fast-paced careers networking with local STEM Ambassadors • SEPnet – build a spectroscope, use planispheres and thermal cameras, discover planets • Solartron Metrology – sensors that measure accurately to less than 0.001mm • STEM Sussex – digital treasure hunt, and follow the live stream of activity from the event • Tesla Engineering – important role of magnets in research and industry • Thales – research, manufacture and supply technologies for aerospace, defence and more • VacGen – experience the effects of liquid nitrogen on material properties • County Council – multiple STEM opportunities and apprenticeships

92.3% of activity providers felt they personally influenced a young person about study or career choices.

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Volunteers STEM Ambassadors from many employers shared their stories and career paths, whether they were on one of the stands, or volunteering as a guide or judge. They inform young people of study options and what sort of careers these subjects can open up to them.

Sponsoring companies and other organisations provided volunteers for the event. The organisers are grateful for the time and enthusiasm of volunteers from: • 15 Below Ltd • GSK • SICPA UK • BAE Systems • IBM • South East Water • British Red Cross • • STEM Sussex • Cardinal Newman College • Network Rail • Thales • Costain • NHS • University of Brighton • Crawley Borough Council • Proportico • University of Sussex • Doosan • YMCA Downslink

Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition

The Big Bang Fair South East runs the regional finals of the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition (formerly known as the National Science + Engineering Competition or NSEC). The competition is open to those aged 11-19 and is split into three age groups and two disciplines (science and engineering). The science projects are focussed on investigation, discovery and the scientific method; the engineering projects are focussed on invention, design and manufacture. Judges Judges worked in pairs and marked the students according to set criteria. The students presented to two pairs of judges throughout the morning, and their projects were moderated by a chief judge and chairs of each of the streams.

Thank you to chief judge Margaret Ajibode – Obatec Ltd, and the two chairs of streams George Hilliar – Costain and Jeremy Crooks – STEM Ambassador, as well as volunteers from the following organisations: • AECOM • Gatwick Airport • Ricardo • Atkins • GSK • Royal Navy • BBC • Honeywell • SIGTA Ltd • Brighton and Sussex NHS • Institute of Physics • Southern Water • British Gas • Institution of Engineering • STEMNET • British Telecom and Technology • Tesla Engineering • BSE3d Ltd • Institution of Mechanical • Thales • Central Sussex College Engineers • Thermo Fisher • CGG • Judges Scientific • University of Brighton • Coast to Capital LEP • Kingston University, London • University of Cambridge • Crawley Borough Council • L-3 Link • University of Chichester • Doosan Babcock Ltd • London School of Hygiene • University of Greenwich • Drallim and Tropical Medicine • University of Kent • Edif ERA • Northbrook College • URT Group • Edwards • Photek • VidSys UK • Eurotherm by Schneider Electric • Reigate & Banstead Borough Council • West Sussex County Council • Federation of Small Businesses • RGB Co. • Winchester Science Centre

98.3% of judges think the competition improves young people’s perceptions of STEM

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Award Ceremony The 84 competing teams attended an award ceremony in the afternoon, hosted by Bronagh Liddicoat, director of STEM Sussex. As well as some science ‘magic’ tricks delivered by mad scientist Ian B Dunne from Do Science, attendees heard key note addresses from Sharon Howe, Group Processing Manager at CGG (headline sponsors of the event), Roxanne El-Hady, the UK Young Scientist of the Year 2016, and Margaret Ajibode, the Chief Judge of the Big Bang Competition.

Winners Winners in each category represent the South East at the national final in Birmingham in March 2017. South East Young Scientist of the Year Mana Mukhtar Corelli College, London Her project asked Is Personalised Medicine the Way Forward? and focussed on the idea of tailoring medicine to the individual as a solution to healthcare issues. A complex issue tackled well.

South East Young Engineers of the Year Ben Berrill, Maisie Hobbs, Ben Lawrence, Callon Peate, Nick Smart , West Sussex Their project, Spring Compression Jig for Fibre Optic Connector looked at a problem faced by a large company with a fibre optic connector causing a huge loss of data.

• Winner Junior Engineering: Maidstone Grammar School, How to Increase Wi-Fi Signal • Winner Junior Science: Guildford High School for Girls, Why Do We Get Food Poisoning? • Winner Intermediate Engineering: Reading Girls’ School, Tête Tec

• Junior Engineering Runner Up: Carisbrooke College, Remote Controlled Speedboat • Junior Science Runner Up: , Bacterial Growth in Light • Intermediate Engineering Runner Up: Carisbrooke College, Computer Controlled Underwater ROV • Intermediate Science Runner Up: St Wilfrids Catholic College, Effects of Music on School Students • Senior Engineering Runner Up: Portsmouth High School, Adaptable Wheels

• Coast 2 Capital STEM Club of the Year: Sir William Perkins’s School • GSK Prize for Healthcare: Reading Girls’ School, Tête Tec • IMechE Prize for Engineering Design: Hurstpierpoint College, Spring Compression Jig • Kreston Reeves Award for Communication: More House School, Frozen Seeds • Thales Prize for Coding: Hazelwick School, Measuring Angular Acceleration of Flight Simulator • Gatwick Airport Prize for Innovation: Maidstone Grammar School, Biodegradable Plastic • Crawley Borough Council Prize for Creativity: Guildford High School for Girls, Food Poisoning • CGG Prize for Mathematics: St Wilfrid’s Catholic College, Effects of Music on School Students

Many other companies sponsored a prize at the Big Bang Fair South East – too many to all be awarded on the day. Thank you to the prize sponsorship from the following companies: Atkins, Doosan, Clarkson Evans, Edwards, Elekta, EMC, Eurotherm by Schneider Electric, Institute of Physics, Kier Construction, Mott MacDonald, NatWest, Photek, Pyroban, Ricardo, SEPnet, Solartron Metrology, Tesla Engineering, University of Chichester and West Sussex County Council.

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Activities

In-school activities

A programme of activities was offered to local schools as part of Crawley STEMfest 2016 for both primary and secondary audiences. These workshops, seminars and shows all had a STEM focus, and were offered free of charge thanks to the sponsorship of local organisations, including CGG, Crawley Borough Council and Stonewater. There were a total of 49 bookings by 25 different schools for the activities, and approximately 7,150 students were reached. A selection of the programme is below:

3AAA: Employability Sessions – introducing job searching, interview KS 4-5 techniques and how to best present your skills. Focus on STEM 60-min apprenticeships in technology and digital marketing. workshop CGG: Exploring Geoscience – we will introduce students to the KS 4 exciting and ever-evolving world of Geoscience, using lots of hands- 60-min on activities and an engaging, hands-on challenge at the end. workshop Curiosity Hub: Lego Robotics – assemble robots using Lego® robotics kits, KS 2-3 then learn to programme them and make them move using visual drag-and- 90-min drop programming software. An exciting way to introduce programming. workshop Exploring Senses: Talking Pictures / Cardboard Musical Instruments - learn KS 2-3 how to use conductive ink to make digital cardboard pictures or musical 60-min instruments, then record and play sounds on them. workshop Ready Steady Science: Playing With your Food - a variety of short, fun KS 1-2 experiments about food and drink. What happens if you hit custard with a 30-min hammer? Why are eggs so well designed? How do you make a balloon kebab? show Robogals: LEGO NXT – a student-run organisation that focusses on getting KS 2-3 girls into science and engineering. Construct and programme LEGO NXT 60-min robotics kits to use components such as light, colour and sound sensors. workshop Science Rocks: Energy, Power and Forces – 16-year-olds Megan and Elizabeth KS 2 O'Shea are mad about science and make Physics, Biology and Chemistry more 120-min exciting, by showing primary students what’s coming up at secondary school. show SEPnet: Variety of Physics Workshops – explore light and spectra, KS 3-4 radioactivity and other physics concepts through fun, hands-on workshops 60-min from University physicists. workshop STEM Ambassador: Marine Biology - explore the fascinating world of marine KS 2 biology. Includes fish dissection, oil spill clean-up, seawater electrochemistry 60-min and marine microbiology, depending on the age and ability of your students. workshop STEM Sussex: Antweight Robots - build remote-control robots from a kit of KS2-4 parts using your own designs. Should you make your robot fast or strong? 120-min Construct and race the robots, or compete in a sumo match. workshop Weald Technology: Electric Motorcycle – a fascinating workshop about KS 4-5 the science and engineering of the world-record breaking electric 45-min motorcycle. Focus on career paths into engineering. workshop Planet Whale: WhaleFest - the world’s largest marine festival delivers KS 2-3 exciting outreach shows around the diversity of marine habitats and 60-min creatures. Covering topics from microbiology to fish dissection to oil spills. show

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Site visits

Crawley STEMfest works closely with employers on different outreach strategies, and has supported them in offering site visits to local students. A visit can take any format, but usually involves a tour of the premises and a presentation from some of their employees, to inspire visiting students to think about careers in STEM.

CGG CGG has a combined experience of over 80 years in the seismic industry. CGG offered A- level students the chance to visit their headquarters in Crawley, to experience first-hand their dynamic STEM environment. They ran a half-day workshop to inspire the next generations of STEM professionals.

L-3 Link L-3 Link Simulation and Training produce civil aircraft Flight Simulators and Training Services for airlines all over the world. Their state-of-the-art facility based in Crawley houses the UK head office and an eight-bay simulator hall, including A320 and B737 simulators. During the tour pupils met engineers and apprentices to see their product first-hand.

PwC PwC are one of the largest multinational professional services firms in the world, and one of the Big 4 Auditors. The in-office visits involved students finding out a little more about PwC and the work they do, employability sessions and networking with current PwC staff (including their apprentices).

Stonewater Stonewater provide quality homes and services for people across England, including current development in Crawley. Students were invited to see different trades on site at first hand, talk to their contractors and consultants, and learn about other related careers such as architects, surveyors and structural engineers. Access to different areas of the site was determined by safety and the build programme on the day.

Wilmott Dixon Willmott Dixon are one of the biggest companies in the UK construction and property, working in both private and public sectors - over 90% of the population are never more 2 than a mile from a Willmott Dixon project! Students were invited to visit their 6500m new build for the South East Coast Ambulance Service, to find out about what they do and meet those working on the project. PPE was provided by the company.

Other STEMfest Activities

Teachers’ Panel, Thursday 21st January Crawley teachers met at Primary School to agree the range and suitability of activities for Crawley STEMfest and the Big Bang Fair South East. Our thanks for the valuable contribution to the teachers from: Gossops Green Primary School, Hazelwick School, Langley Green Primary School, Manor Green College, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Primary School, and Thomas Bennett Community College.

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Big Bang @ The Holy Trinity School, Thursday 21st January The Holy Trinity School ran their second ‘little’ Big Bang in January. The Big Bang programme allows schools to stage their own events, with the same aims of inspiring young people to consider STEM. students took part in a carousel of nine different STEM-based workshops, including two from local employers CGG and Tesla Motors.

Geek Week, Saturday 14th November Crawley Library ran a ‘get stuck in day’ with a STEM focus in November, where young people could take part in workshops from coding and robot building, to wearable technology and graphic novel design. The night skies were explored in a series of shows inside an inflatable planetarium.

Press Coverage

The following media ran coverage of Crawley STEMfest and the Big Bang Fair South East: BBC Radio Sussex, BBC South East, Bexhill Observer, Chichester Observer, Crawley Observer, Crawley News, East Grinstead Courier, Island Echo, Mid Sussex Times, News Biggin Hill, Platinum Business, Runway Radio, SecEd, Sussex Express, Susy Radio, West Sussex County Times.

Two examples from the online edition of the Crawley Observer: - Big Bang @ Holy Trinity School (21 January 2016) - STEMfest Launch and Comedy Evening (15 April 2016)

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Two articles from the online edition of the Crawley News: - STEM in the Park (16 May 2016) - STEM in the Stacks (1 June 2016)

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Big Bang Fair South East - West Sussex County Times (7 July 2016)

(L) Big Bang Fair South East - Horsham Gazette (13 July 2016)

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Get involved

Employers

By supporting Crawley STEMfest, you will be forging links with your future workforce. You can help make a positive difference to young people and their teachers by showcasing your innovative business. Getting involved is easy – and there are many ways you can support the event, including:

• Judging at the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition • Offering a workshop or careers talk in a school • Offering a tour of your company • Running an interactive exhibit at STEM in the Park or the Big Bang Fair South East • Sponsoring the Big Bang Fair South East or another event • Providing prizes, services or equipment for events

Schools

Crawley teachers should keep an eye on www.crawleystemfest.co.uk/whats-on to see the range of in- school and in-company activities as they are confirmed throughout the year.

At the Big Bang Fair South East, more than 200 hands-on activities, workshops and shows will line STEM Boulevard, and STEM Ambassadors will be on hand to talk about the variety of STEM careers.

Older students can also enter the regional heats of the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition by bringing along a project they’ve been working on in class or as part of a STEM Club.

Conclusion

Crawley STEMfest, already in its fifth year, has proved to be a different and fun way to promote the opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to primary and secondary pupils and their teachers, and to the general public. Showcasing Crawley businesses, and raising awareness of their STEM skills’ needs, the festival has strengthened the perception of STEM in the community.

The events held as part of Crawley STEMfest formed a cohesive festival raising awareness of STEM opportunities. Through links with partners, including sponsors, local business groups and schools, Crawley STEMfest has the potential to grow year on year and reach even more local young people. The activities throughout Crawley STEMfest have had a positive impact on the students and teachers who have had the opportunity to engage.

Crawley STEMfest is a series of events that contributes significantly to helping young people make informed decisions about future careers. The Crawley STEMfest partners are most grateful to the schools that enabled their teachers and pupils to take part and to the employers, whose support through sponsorship and engagement, made it all possible and contributed to young people and their teachers understanding more about the rewards and benefits of a STEM-based career path.

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Quotes

“It's fantastic that the Big Bang Fair South East was even bigger and better than last year. Not only is it a great way for us as a company to contribute to our local community and to promote the Earth Sciences in education, but it’s also a great opportunity for our staff to volunteer here, to connect with the students and teachers, and to share their passion and enjoyment for science and technology. Today’s students are the future workforce, and we hope that they have been inspired today by the diversity of people, and opportunities that can be unlocked when they consider a career in STEM”. - Sharon Howe, Processing Group Manager, CGG (headline sponsor)

“I learnt more at your fair than I would have done at school for a whole week”. - Alex, student, Avenue Primary, Surrey – re: Big Bang Fair South East

“It was great, thanks very much! I've had a couple of new clubs which came out of contacts I made on Saturday. It was a good opportunity to spread the word about Code Club and I met up with some of our local volunteers”. - Dan Powell, Code Club (activity provider) – re: STEM in the Park

“All of our children would have been happy to stay longer if they could have. They learnt so much in a short space of time and were exhilarated when chatting about the visit on the way home”. - Dawn Martin, Headteacher, Gossops Green Primary School, Crawley – re: Big Bang Fair South East

“It was a very enjoyable evening and a sign of the variety of people who are engaged in STEM initiatives”. - Stakeholder attendee – re: Crawley STEMfest Launch

“Just a quick e-mail to say a huge thank you for allowing AGS to join the Big Bang Fair at short notice… The team had a good day, thank you, as did I, and we were all able to pick up lots of information for later contemplation (by other y12s as well, as I brought leaflets back to school with me), particularly about apprenticeships, so that was very useful. Many thanks to you and your colleagues for all your work behind the scenes, the day was certainly a success from our point of view, well worth the early start”. - Millie Andrews, Aylesbury Grammar School, Buckinghamshire (Teacher at competing school) – re: Big Bang Competition

“[I liked] learning more from the various companies about possible careers in the sciences and what they entail”. - Year 8 student, Carisbrooke College, Isle of Wight – re: Big Bang Fair South East

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“I thought Simon was great! He engaged the students immediately, and was very able to spot those that may be nervous and those confident… He drew hypothesis from them, and explored their own ideas as they suggested them. He used an appropriate amount of humour to relax them and engage them, but also explored the ideas they came up and related that to what he had planned” - Teacher, Manor Green College, Crawley – re: in-school activity

“Thank you for letting me take part in this amazing event! I was so pleasantly surprised with all the projects and to hear the students speak, and such enthusiasm about them. I hope this continues for years to come”. - Vanessa Sousa, Process Scientist, Southern Water (Judge) – re: Big Bang Competition

“Our teachers and children have not stopped raving on about it… they said it was amazing. They didn’t get to see everything, so are already looking forward to next year… Could we book in now please”. - Elspeth Elsey, Teacher, London Meed CP School, West Sussex – re: Big Bang Fair South East

- (L) Crawley student – evaluation of in-school activity with lego robotics

“Well done for today’s event, it was great to be involved and see it in action. I wish I was back at school and visiting as a child. What a great opportunity it was for them to learn about the real world and how their school subjects are applicable to the work place”. - Carrie Cort, Sussex Green Living (Activity Provider) – re: Big Bang Fair South East

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“The highlight of the day was the children’s engagement with the activity. It was structured well so the children could work independently and make quick progress”. - Crawley teacher – re: in-school activity

“It really was an excellent day and a great opportunity to meet other engineers as well as the students. The enthusiasm and ability of the participants was really good to see and a sign that STEM careers should get the boost in numbers they deserve!” - Geoffrey Audis, Gatwick Airport (Judge) – re: Big Bang Competition

“The best bit of the visit was seeing the students interact with the employees in all of the activities. Also the hands-on experience the students had in the flight simulator… It was a well-structured session and it hit the mark with our students”. - Crawley teacher – re: employer site visit

“Doing all the practical activities and learning about what certain jobs included and what employees specialism and favourite part of their career was”. - James, Student, Seaford Head School, East Sussex – re: Big Bang Fair South East

“[this activity was] very hands-on practical… something that would be difficult to replicate in a classroom”. - Crawley teacher – re: in-school activity

“[the best bit of the day was] talking to a wide range of excited and interested students. Seeing their response to the information I shared but also hearing their ideas, questions and responses.” - Activity provider – re: Big Bang Fair South East

“The open, enthusiastic, friendly and positive atmosphere about 'STEM'. [The best bit was] the chance to meet and speak with a whole range of people from young students, teachers, activity providers and fellow volunteers”. - Volunteer STEM Ambassador – re: Big Bang Fair South East

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Contact and further information

Videos and pictures from Crawley STEMfest and the Big Bang Fair South East 2016, as well as further information on the 2017 events, can be found at www.crawleystemfest.co.uk

Partner Websites

CGG: www.cgg.com

Crawley Borough Council: www.crawley.gov.uk

Central Sussex College: www.centralsussex.ac.uk

STEM Sussex: www.stemsussex.co.uk

University of Brighton: www.brighton.ac.uk

www.crawleySTEMfest.co.uk T: 01273 641874 E: [email protected]

Hope to see you next year!

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Headline Sponsor:

The world’s leading geophysical company, employing over 7,000 people across the globe. www.cgg.com

Gold Sponsor: Silver Sponsors:

www.crawley.gov.uk www.gatwickairport.com www.thalesgroup.com

Bronze Sponsors:

www.avensys.co.uk www.coast2capital.org.uk www.imeche.org www.krestonreeves.co www.gsk.com m

Sponsors:

Partners: