Early Year’s and Primary School Pilot

The Early Years and Primary School Project of Geo-Resources Sector Strengthening enabled a small team of creative staff from The Meadow Barns Centre at Penpell, near Par, to trial STEM learning activities related to mining, for very young children and their families.  

Although initially there was thought to direct the scheme at formal settings e.g. schools and pre-schools, it became clear through the trial (due mainly to time pressure on the formal curriculum) that opening up to inter-generational learning, during weekends and school holidays, was more likely to achieve the desired levels of engagement and enjoyment.

As a result, we now have a scheme with the title ‘Full STEAMS Ahead’, ready to be rolled out by suitable partners, who will be supported in their own operations as they create a STEM Family Learning Club. We anticipate this can inspire very young people with their parents and grandparents, but also – as were able to adapt the activities successfully for teenagers – can act as a recruitment route within KS3 and 4, into mining and related careers.

To discover more, please visit the new ‘Full STEAMS Ahead’ playlist at The Meadow Barns Centre YouTube channel. A dedicated website will follow in due course, although some information is available at www.themeadowbarns.co.uk.