Science scheme in Wales extended to primaries

The Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW), which includes activities to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers, is being made available to children under 11 and at schools in East Wales.

The activities for young people include developing skills in software design and digital manufacturing and meeting industry role models to encourage children to pursue science qualifications.

The scheme also includes activities which promote STEM subjects among young women and challenge gender stereotypes.

Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "It’s important for economic growth in Wales that we have enough people going into STEM careers. So the younger we give our children the opportunity to learn about science – and in a fun and engaging way – the more likely they are to build the confidence and skills to study science subjects later in their careers.

"One of my priorities is also to get more young women into STEM subjects. Expanding the scheme to younger students and to more parts of Wales will allow more girls to believe a career in science or engineering is for them.  

"We know through science that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. I look forward to this action getting the reaction we want – to get even more young people in Wales into science!"