STEAM event in Clacton inspiring primary school students

Building on the success of its inaugural event earlier this year, the Step into STEAM event returned to Clacton’s Princes Theatre on 23^rd October, bringing together 257 Year 6 students from nine Tendring primary schools.

Organised by the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Tendring District Council, the event was created to spark students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) and to inspire them to explore the many career paths available in these fields as they prepare to transition to secondary school.

The event featured an interactive STEAM fair along with two hands-on workshops, each designed to engage students and offer insight into the wide array of career opportunities in STEAM.

The STEAM fair included interactive displays from local businesses and organisations, giving students the opportunity to try activities such as preparing fibre-optic wiring, exploring wind turbines through VR headsets, building robots, and timed plumbing challenges.

Each activity was designed to help students understand the practical aspects of STEAM careers, and professionals were on hand to answer questions and share insights about their career paths and day-to-day work.

Two workshops were also offered, immersing students in different STEAM fields:

1. Conservation and Endangerment – Led by Colchester Zoo, this workshop gave students a close look at ecosystem conservation, featuring confiscated animal pelts and skins to illustrate the impacts of endangerment.
2. Theatrical Lighting and Production – Presented by the Mercury Theatre’s lighting team, this behind-the-scenes experience on the Princes Theatre stage showcased the technical aspects of stage production, focusing on lighting and special effects.

A diverse group of contributors supported the event, including Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, University of Suffolk Radiography, STEMPOINT, RWE Five Estuaries, RWE Galloper, University of Essex Life Sciences and Computer Science departments, Openreach, the National Institute of Clinical Research, STEAM Powered Education, Rose Builders, Essex Police, and East of England Ambulance Service Trust. Each organisation provided insights into their fields, encouraging students to see the variety of roles available and the skills required for success.

Participating schools included Two Village Primary School, Walton-on-the-Naze Primary School, Ravens Academy (Clacton-on-Sea), and St. George’s Church of England Primary (Great Bromley). Tendring Primary School, Harwich Community Primary, St. Andrew’s Church of England Primary, Marketfields School, and All Saints Primary School.

The Step into STEAM event aims not only to inspire career exploration but also to highlight the connection between meaningful employment and health outcomes, with studies showing that quality employment significantly impacts health. By introducing students to a variety of local career pathways early in their education, organisers hope to foster aspirations that will support both personal and community well-being in the future.