STUDENTS at a Redditch school are re taking part in a new project aimed at educating young people on the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Education charity, Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is working with Year eight and nine pupils at St Bede's Catholic Middle School to develop environmental solutions to key issues such as waste management and recycling

Funded by a £50,000 grant from the Cadent Foundation, the project includes a range of hands-on fun and educational activities that will enable students to develop employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. 

Alison Horton, teacher at St Bede’s Catholic Middle School said: “We’re really grateful to have funding this year.

"It’s given us more opportunity to open up to other students.

"The teams meet after school every Wednesday and also Tuesday lunchtime when we can.

"One mentor has visited face to face and the other who is in Scotland joins us virtually at least once a week.”

At the end of the project, each student will gain an Industrial Cadets Bronze Award. 

Geoff Jellis, fundraising manager at Engineering Development Trust said: “We’re extremely grateful to the Cadent Foundation for the funding which is helping us to expand our Industrial Cadets Bronze programme and work with a wider and more diverse group of students.

“In a year when young people have faced multiple activity cancellations the opportunity to work on an environmental project supported by mentoring from STEM professionals is proving to be a much needed and positive experience for young people.”

Julia Dwyer, director of the Cadent Foundation said she is "delighted to support Engineering Development Trust to expand".

She added: "These projects will help young people gain valuable insights into STEM careers and ensure they are better equipped to access opportunities to become the next generation of STEM professionals.”