Project Description
Industry: STEM – Science Technology, Engineering & Maths
Programme : Opportunity for pupils to be involved in a range of STEM related activities Activity Type: Work inspiration and Preparation
Businesses involved: CGI IT UK
School: Auchmuty High School
In an effort to inspire and educate young people about the exciting opportunities within the world of technology, Gillian Eaves, STEM Education Support Officer for Fife Council, reached out to all schools in Fife with an exceptional opportunity from CGI IT UK Ltd. As part of their commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent, CGI IT UK Ltd. organized a STEM-focused event designed to provide local students with hands-on experiences, expert guidance, and insights into the diverse career paths available within the STEM sector.
Partnerships and Involvement:
CGI IT UK Ltd., one of the largest IT and business consulting firms globally, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. Known for delivering innovative and forward-thinking solutions across various industries, CGI IT UK Ltd. sought to engage S3 pupils from local high schools, including Auchmuty High School, through the Fife STEM network. Their goal was to inspire the next generation of technology leaders and professionals by showcasing the vast opportunities within STEM fields.
This event was made possible through the collaboration of several key partners, including Education Scotland, DYW Fife, Fife Council, Sphero, Digital Xtra, Police Scotland, and several local universities and colleges, including Glasgow University, Dundee University, Abertay University, and Fife College. Together, these partners provided invaluable resources, expertise, and support for the event.
The Event:
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, two teams of four S3 students from Auchmuty High School, alongside pupils from other Fife high schools, participated in a dynamic STEM Education Day at the St Andrews Old Course Hotel. The event provided a unique blend of education, hands-on experience, and fun activities designed to enhance students’ understanding of STEM careers and technology’s role in today’s world.
The day featured three interactive sessions aimed at providing students with practical skills and insight into the STEM sector:
- Cybercrime and Online Safety: Police Scotland led a session on cybercrime prevention and online safety. Students learned valuable strategies for navigating the digital world responsibly, an essential skill in an increasingly connected society.
- Hands-on Coding and Robotics: Students participated in coding workshops where they had the chance to program a Sphero robot. They also explored virtual reality (VR) technology, gaining firsthand experience with cutting-edge tools and techniques used in the tech industry.
- Interactive Games and Competitions: To ensure the event was engaging, students took part in interactive activities, including a programming challenge where they used their newly learned skills to program robots to follow a crazy golf course. The event culminated in a friendly competition, celebrating the students’ achievements.
Additionally, representatives from local colleges and universities were present to talk to students about the various STEM career paths available and the educational routes to pursue them. This allowed students to explore their options and gain guidance on life after school.
Impact and Value:
The event offered significant value to both the students and the participating organizations. For the students, it was an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in technology and coding, explore future career opportunities, and learn about the latest trends in cyber security. By providing them with a mix of hands-on activities and expert presentations, the event sparked their curiosity about the possibilities within STEM fields and helped them understand the real-world applications of their studies.
For CGI IT UK Ltd., this event served as an opportunity to engage with local schools, showcase their commitment to supporting STEM education, and inspire young people to consider careers in technology. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, education, and local communities to build a pipeline of skilled talent for the future.
Feedback:
The event received positive feedback from both students and teachers, with pupils expressing excitement and enthusiasm about the experiences they had.
Aiden, Pupil
“I really enjoyed going to St. Andrews for the Engineering Event as I got to see many different pathways Engineering Science can take me. I specifically enjoyed the coding and virtual reality part.”
Jasmine, Pupil
“The STEM event at the Old Course Hotel was a really good experience. We got to do many different activities, which were fun, along with getting to talk to different colleges and universities about different STEM career paths we could take, which was good. Overall, the whole event was fun and enjoyable, and I’m glad I attended.”