Educational charity Techniquest has delivered the Polar Explorer Programme on behalf of STEM Learning Ltd to 10 schools across Wales, bringing an exciting new approach to the teaching of STEM subjects.

The Cardiff Bay-based science discovery centre has become the Welsh Ambassador for the programme aimed at schools who endeavour to raise aspirations and attainment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, inspiring the future generation of Scientists and Engineers.

Over 500 students from Maindy Primary School, Deri View Primary School, Upper Rhymney Primary School, Halfway School, Trealaw Primary School, Pantside Primary School, Cwmglas Primary School, Raglan Primary School, Gwenfo Primary School and Maerdy Primary School took part this academic year.

The Polar Explorer Programme has been developed with funding from UK Research and Innovation STEM Learning, as a result of the 2014 announcement of a £200 million investment into polar research. A new ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, will enable world-leading research in Antarctica and the Arctic for the next 25 years.

The ship is the next generation of research vessels and will enable scientists and technicians to remain at sea for longer periods of time in polar environments. The state-of-the-art robotic subsea vehicle, Boaty McBoatface, will also be on board to allow research to be undertaken in places that humans are unable to investigate.

Techniquest has been delivering exciting and curriculum enriching experiences to schools throughout Wales in the form of polar themed assemblies and workshops and a Polar Exploration themed day at Techniquest with workshops and presentations delivered by polar research experts, all of which were incredibly well received.

Sharron Titley of Upper Rhymney Primary said:

“I want to say a huge thank you to Techniquest for arranging the Polar Explorer workshop day. The staff who carried out the day were full of fun and enthusiasm and the children were fully engaged in all the sessions.

“The assembly was thoroughly enjoyed by all children from Reception to Year 6. Our little ones in Reception and Year 1 were absolutely amazed at the diver in a bottle and the boat workshop. The Year 5 class loved their workshops and were full of facts and ideas by the end. It was a super way to start our Polar Explorer journey. Thank you again.”

Andrea Meyrick, Head of Education at Techniquest, said:

“We are extremely proud to be an ambassador in Wales for such a fantastic and pioneering new initiative that is being delivered to young people across the country.

“The feedback we have had from the participating schools has been fantastic and it was a joy to see the excitement and interest shown by our young budding scientists and engineers. The programme this year was a huge success and we can’t wait for next year to meet and inspire more children.”

In the next academic year, Techniquest will be partnering with Cardiff Metropolitan University to deliver the Polar Explorer Programme to 10 more schools. Techniquest will continue to work with partners such as Wicked Weather Watch, Welsh Universities, STEM Ambassadors and also Richard Parks. The programme will be brought to life and they hope to have more schools onboard to be a part of this fantastic project.

Any schools interested should email Andrea Meyrick – [email protected]