Activate Your Curiosity Schools Programme
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is proud to deliver this exciting initiative across the Borough. First launched in 2012 at St Paul’s Way Trust School in East London by Lord Andrew Mawson OBE and Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS. The programme was developed to inspire young people and strengthen links between education, science and industry. Now expanding across the UK, it shares an ambitious vision: to help make the UK the best place in the world to do science.
Working in partnership with local schools and businesses, the Council provides a full programme of activities throughout the academic Year (September to June). These include creative competitions, hands-on experiences and visits to local employers, giving pupils valuable insight into real-world careers and the opportunities available to them close to home.
Bringing Theory into Practice Through Employer Visits
Seeing firsthand how local companies operate is one of the most effective ways for both students and teachers to stay informed about current and future career pathways. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council works closely with local employers to deliver engaging, inspiring workplace visits that are tailored to the curriculum and demonstrate how classroom learning is applied in real world settings. These visits help students make meaningful connections between theory and practice, while supporting teachers in delivering relevant, up to date careers education.
Depending on the time of year, employer visits are ideal for school leaver students from Year 11 through to 14.
In School Workshops: Learning brought to Life
Learning by doing is a powerful way to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Local companies are keen to work with schools to share their expertise, showcase what they do, and inspire students about the wide range of career opportunities available to them.
In school workshops are designed in partnership with teachers and employers and can be tailored to suit the age, interests and curriculum focus of each group. Sessions are built around core topics of study, helping students see how classroom learning connects to real world applications. A key advantage of this approach is flexibility, as workshops are delivered within the school day and can be integrated into the existing timetable.
To find out more or to arrange a visit for your school, please get in touch.
Annual January Event –The Braid, Ballymena
As part of the initiative, we host an annual flagship event each January at The Braid, Ballymena for Year 10 students. This full day experience is designed to inspire both students and educators through a dynamic programme of hands on, interactive workshops alongside inspirational, thought provoking TED style talks. All sessions are delivered by leaders from industry, giving young people valuable insight into real world careers and pathways. Previous keynote speakers have included:
• Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS –world renowned physicist and co-designer of the initiative
• Andrew Smyth –engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist
• Rowan Campbell Pilling –Formula 4 racing driver
The event supports curriculum learning, raises aspirations and provides a memorable, high impact careers experience for students.
End of Year STEAM Events
Who doesn’t love the chance to take part in hands-on workshops and explore exciting career opportunities?
Designed with Year 9 students in mind, these end-of-year events provide a fantastic introduction to the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).
Delivered by industry leaders, this is a not-tobe-missed opportunity to inspire and inform young people about future pathways.
To find out more or to arrange a visit for your school, please get in touch.
School Competitions
Over the past number of years, the Council has worked closely with Primary and PostPrimary schools, delivering a range of exciting “thinking outside the box” STEAM competitions. These initiatives encourage creativity, innovation and curiosity, while giving pupils unforgettable, real world learning experiences.
Prizes over the years have included:
• A meet and greet with Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS
• An all expenses paid trip to the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Space Mission in London
• Cosmic Classroom sessions delivered by Armagh Planetarium to entire classes
• A visit to the Science Summer School at Brooklands Innovation Academy
• Whole class sustainability workshops
These opportunities have inspired students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and maths beyond the classroom, opening doors to future skills and careers.
Get in touch
If you are interested in getting involved in any of the activities, or have ideas you would like to see incorporated into the initiative, please get in touch with Christine Barnhill at: christine.barnhill@midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07768 252 619
