Awarding £354,000 to local schools
Since 2018, the Hinkley Connection Project has awarded £345,000 in grants to 538 schools in Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucester – the areas most impacted by the project.
Schools have spent the money, which has benefited over 130,000 pupils, on STEM equipment ranging from programmable robots to 3D printers and everything in between.
“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,” says Project Director, James Goode.
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 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,” explains 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.”
Applications for the 2020/2021 fund will open in September 2020.
