Ballyclare High School Celebrates Successful Completion of 2-Year STEM Enthuse Programme

By Ballyclare High School on 19 December, 2023

Ballyclare High School proudly announces the completion of its two-year STEM Enthuse programme, marking a significant milestone in fostering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education within the local community. The initiative engaged numerous primary schools in the region, creating a collaborative environment to enhance students’ knowledge and skills in these critical fields.

The comprehensive STEM Enthuse project comprised two main strands, each contributing to the overall success of the program. Mrs. Young led a two-year intensive STEM Ambassador programme, wherein Ballyclare High School students actively participated in outreach efforts by visiting local feeder primary schools. Their mission was to inspire and expand the young minds’ understanding of science through hands-on activities, experiments, and engaging discussions.

The STEM Ambassador programme, spearheaded by Mrs. Young, not only facilitated the transfer of knowledge but also served as a conduit for building strong relationships between the high school and its feeder primary schools. This collaborative approach aimed to create a seamless transition for students moving from primary to secondary education, ensuring a solid foundation in STEM subjects.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gareth Shaw played a pivotal role in the success of the STEM Enthuse programme by conducting weekly ICT lessons for local feeder primary schools. His focus was on teaching coding skills through fun-based and interactive lessons, making the learning experience both enjoyable and educational. The incorporation of interactive elements aimed to demystify coding and foster a love for technology from an early age.

The results of the STEM Enthuse programme were nothing short of remarkable. Students from Ballyclare High School not only honed their STEM skills but also developed valuable communication and leadership skills through their ambassadorial roles. The primary school students, on the other hand, benefited from exposure to advanced STEM concepts in an approachable and engaging manner.

Mr. G Shaw echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of early exposure to coding and technology. “By integrating coding into interactive lessons, we aimed to demystify technology and make it accessible to every student. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact on their confidence and interest in ICT.”

Ballyclare High School now looks forward to building on the success of the STEM Enthuse programme, continuing its commitment to fostering STEM education and creating a lasting impact on the local community. The school remains dedicated to nurturing future innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in the dynamic fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mr G Shaw