[22 October] National Grid awards £345,000 in STEM grants to South West schools
Since 2018, National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Project, connecting low carbon energy from Hinkley Point C to homes and businesses across the UK, has awarded £345,000 in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) grants to 538 schools in Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucester – the areas closest to the project.
More than 130,000 pupils have benefited from new STEM equipment ranging from programmable robots to 3D printers and everything in between.
Every state funded primary and secondary school in the local authority areas of Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council and West Somerset Council is eligible to apply for a £500 or £1250 (for secondary schools) grant for STEM equipment during every year of the project.
Haygrove Secondary School in Bridgwater put its 2019 £1,250 grant towards a laser cutter for the Design and Technology Department. “The cutter enables the rapid build of prototypes, exposes our pupils to new technology and enhances creativity,” explained teacher, Lynne O’Hallaran. “It has made a huge difference to the depth and range of STEM projects students can undertake.”
The Redstart Primary School in Chard spent their 2019 grant on six advanced, programmable floor robots for children in Key Stage 2 to use. Teacher, Roger Hunt said: “The children have loved working with their new InO-Bots. Their programming skills have deepened dramatically and their enthusiasm has been wonderful to see.”
Project Director for National Grid, James Goode said: “The Hinkley Education Fund is part of National Grid’s commitment to encouraging and inspiring the next generation of engineers and we want to ensure our project leaves a lasting legacy for local people.”
Applications for the 2020/2021 Hinkley Education Fund are now open.
For press information please contact: Helen Blake on 07790 824788
