Press release issued:
14 December 2009
Eighty-five secondary school students will take part in hands-on activities, based on projects developed by industry, at the University of Bristol this week [14 to 16 December].
Eighty-five secondary school students will take part in hands-on activities, based on projects developed by industry, at the University of Bristol this week [14 to 16 December].
The University’s Faculty of Engineering will host, for the first time, the three-day Engineering Development Trust (EDT) Engineering Education Scheme (EES) workshop for the southwest region.
The hands-on activities the schools will take part in include:
- Using rainwater in an environmental cooling system.
- Using a remote control car to detect an improvised explosive device (IED).
- Creating a demonstration model of a gearbox, using software to test new technologies.
There will also be an opportunity for the students to get advice on science, engineering and technology as a degree or career option, together with a presentation skill and report writing seminar.
Dr Askin Isikveren, Director of the University’s Engineering Design degree programme and who is heading the organising team, said: “This is a great opportunity to promote science, engineering and technology to sixth-formers who might not consider it as a career.
“Due to the effects of climate change, engineers will be needed around the world to work on large-scale projects. This initiative promotes awareness of the challenges ahead to this generation of students.”
The EES links teams of four Year 12 students and their teacher with local companies, to work on real scientific, engineering and technological problems.
During the six-month project, the students work with engineers and companies on a real project. They are encouraged to show industrial enterprise, creativity and innovation whilst gaining extensive experience of problem solving, team work and project management.
Further information
The 17 secondary schools taking part in the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) Engineering Education Scheme (EES) are: Badminton School; Balcarras School; The Blue School; Bruton School for Girls; Cheltenham Ladies College; Clifton High School; The Crypt School; Downend School; The Godolphin School; Hayesfield School Technology College; Holyrood Community School; John Cabot Academy; Marlwood School; St Augustine’s Catholic College; St Peter’s High School; Wotton Bassett School and Yeovil College.
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bristol has attracted over £75m in industrial and governmental research awards over the past five years, and has spent over £20m on infrastructure and laboratory equipment that will keep it at the forefront of teaching and research.
The Faculty comprises six departments and many research centres and groups.
Established in 1984, the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is an independent registered charity whose mission is to encourage young people to fulfil their potential through careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).
The EDT is a leading national provider of work related learning programmes targeting 12–21 year-olds and annually involves more than 5,000 students.
The Trust aims to inspire and motivate young people into choosing a SET career by giving them the opportunity to experience real life experience to industry, business and higher education.
The awareness gained empowers students to make informed choices at key stages of their education. All EDT schemes are members of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Best Programme.
