Alstom sets imaginations soaring at local school
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Children from Clifton-upon-Dunsmore C of E Primary School in Rugby have set out on a new Imagineering initiative aimed at encouraging children to become the next generation of engineers and scientists.
The children are being helped by Alstom Power employees Jon Seaton and Chris Shaw, together with retired engineer Don Cameron and teacher Mrs Shaw to make working models. Through their natural curiosity the children will gain an understanding of how their models work, and related aspects of engineering and science. Imagineering is part of a national organisation that promotes engineering in schools, and produces model kits that are both educational and fun.
"Our first activity was to build model gliders", says Jon Seaton. "It is the type of project that I would have enjoyed at school and it allows us to discuss basic scientific and engineering principles. The children seemed to really enjoy the project. We try and keep the sessions light, with the emphasis on the model making. The idea is that the children ask questions naturally, rather than us teaching them."
Alstom is supporting the club and is keen to promote engineering in schools as an interesting and creative profession.
The first project was completed on Thursday 26th May and the children were able to see which model gliders flew the furthest in the school hall.
Helena Austin, Human Resources Director at Alstom UK, said:
Alstom is committed to promoting skills development and training opportunities for children and young people. Its lovely to have an opportunity where both Alstom and Clifton-upon-Dunsmore C of E Primary School can work together to bring engineering into the classroom. The children are clearly enjoying the Imagineering programme and are discovering that engineering is all around them in everything they do in life. We need to continuously encourage and equip children with engineering and scientific knowledge to become the future leading engineers of the next generation.