Delivered jointly by BAE Systems, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, the schools roadshow, which began in 2005, visits more than 420 schools across the UK each year. Designed to inspire excitement in STEM subjects, it provides a highly interactive experience for students aged 10 to 13 years old in primary and secondary schools nationwide.
This year’s show kicks off with the launch day of British Science Week and takes pupils on a journey from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space. Audiences participate in understanding our place in the solar system, how engineering will allow us to explore more of these unchartered areas and the science and technology needed to survive in these extreme environments.
The theatre show culminates in a five metre diameter inflatable model of the Sun next to a marble, as a scale representation of the Earth, to show just how huge the solar system is. These demonstrations bring science concepts to life for the students.
The 2023 schools roadshow kicked off at Court Moor School in Fleet, Hampshire and is set to educate and entertain more than 100,000 pupils across the UK this year. Last October, the team reached the remarkable milestone of engaging with their one millionth pupil.
Paul Jenkins, Head Teacher at Court Moor School, said: “The BAE Systems STEM roadshow is one of the highlights of the year for our students. It manages to inspire them about both their lessons and their life beyond school. It’s particularly of great value to our female students who get to see young, cool and female scientists and engineers which challenges embedded stereotypes and opens their eyes to a world of excitement and possibility. A number of our children walk out of these sessions with a new perspective and start to imagine their future in STEM industries.”
Julian Cracknell, Chief Technology & Information Officer at BAE Systems, added: “There’s never been a more exciting time for young people to be studying STEM subjects. Technology is developing at an unprecedented rate and the next generation of engineers, mathematicians and scientists will be at the forefront of shaping our world for the better. I hope this year’s STEM roadshow inspires our young people to dream big with ambitions such as exploring the solar system, creating pioneering clean energy solutions or developing life-changing medical cures.”
BAE Systems, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy employ more than 50,000 engineers across the UK and are committed to engaging with young people on STEM activities to encourage and support a highly skilled workforce of the future.
