Energy, Environment and Sustainability Group
These new institutions are the equivalent of the professional engineering institutions, but aimed at young people at primary school and secondary school levels. Their founder, Susan Scurlock, is delivering on a vision to bring engineering into the heart of schools, enabling young people to develop a greater understanding of engineering in the world today and to help prepare the engineers of future generations.
Over the last two decades there has been increased attention given to the combination of ‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ (STEM) in Schools, centred on the 11-14 age bracket, and these new institutions take this positive movement further by focusing on all learners and on how individuals apply what they have learnt through practical engineering. A system of competencies for school participants has been set up to mirror those that are to be attained in working towards engineering chartership at professional level. Professional engineers are involved throughout the process, sitting on the school committee, being interviewed by the young members and in mentoring individuals.
The Institution of Primary Engineers is complemented by the ‘Primary Engineer’ programme, set up by Susan Scurlock in 2005. This offers primary schools a way of applying mathematics and science to design and technology activities, adopting an engineering approach. Class projects are mapped to the curriculum and are designed to inspire and enthuse. Programmes include teacher training, interactive and paper-based resources, and regional and national competitions. All projects are linked to practising engineers to provide real-world context and there has been active support from the IMechE right from the inception.
The launch of the Institution of Primary Engineers and Institution of Secondary Engineers was very well attended and received widespread support across the engineering institutions. Baroness Wall of New Barnet, who is a strong supporter of engineering and manufacturing, expressed her enthusiasm and the Government commitment to the scheme.
The IMechE demonstrated its dedication to the cause with representation at the launch by the President, Mark Hunt, who delivered a speech on the power of youth, as well as attendance by the immediate past-President, Patrick Kniveton, the forthcoming president, Richard Folkson, and several chairs from the groups and divisions. Children from the four pilot schools for the Institution of Primary Engineers attended and, though nervous in such illustrious surroundings, showed how they had been ignited by the programme.
How should EESG engage with these new institutions? We can possibly help develop the integration of sustainable thinking within the engineering practice that they are promoting. Perhaps more than any previous generation, the current school children have an awareness of the increasing environmental problems we are faced with. We can support them in developing the skills and approach towards overcoming these problems through engineering as well as through exciting them with the innovative technology that can be part of the solution.
Sustainable engineering requires interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral thinking as well as the ability to take on board human behavioural considerations. Good communication is important for all this and so whilst strong development of science and mathematics skills is to be supported we should also encourage practical application of language skills in an engineering context.
If you would like to seed the growth of a sustainable future until well beyond the time when you are incapable of doing anything about it, or become too cynical, then here is a great opportunity. Visit the Institution of Primary Engineers website to find out how to engage with the Institution of Primary Engineers, and visit the Primary Engineer website to find out more about the Primary Engineer programme. The Institution of Secondary Engineers (ISecEng) website will be live at the end of August. A relatively easy contribution to make might be to make your local schools aware of the scheme. Let’s encourage these young people to engineer a more sustainable world!