Climate change adaptation competition

A competition activity aimed at 12 -13 year old school pupils with the objectives of promoting the role that mechanical engineers play in adapting the world to climate change and inspiring young people to consider a career in our profession.  The initiative is being developed in collaboration with Penair School, Truro, and designed to meet the requirements of the new national curriculum for Key Stage 3. These include the need to engage in cross-curricula activities based on topical themes currently challenging society and to bring work-relatedness to learners.

A pilot of the activity was undertaken in 2008 at Penair involving all 240 Year 8 pupils and participants from Ove Arup & Partners, the Environment Agency and volunteer members from Babcock Marine and QinetiQ. The pilot was observed by teachers from other schools and representatives from the local Education Business Partnership and Education Development Service, as well as the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust.  Feedback from these sources will be used to evaluate the potential of the activity for further development into a national initiative.

Please click here to watch a 2 minute news report about the pilot.