Delkia donates £2,000 to boost STEM learning in Cumbria schools

Nine primary schools in Cumbria have received a share of £2,000, donated to help foster a love of STEM subjects in young learners, courtesy of specialist engineering and technology company Delkia.

The company, which operates in the aerospace, nuclear and maritime sectors, chose to sponsor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Plan this year, to support young people’s learning and help to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Based in Cumbria, Delkia’s team reached out to schools in their local community and invited them to apply for a share of the £2,000 grant – with the only criteria being that it must go towards delivering practical learning sessions and developing skills in STEM.

Kurt Canfield, Delkia CEO, said: “Engineering makes a difference. It drives technological advancement and transforms ideas into real solutions to the challenges facing the world. It’s a positive force for change. That’s why I’m a passionate advocate for STEM education. The earlier that children see how knowledge can be applied to create real impact, the better.”

The nine primary schools in Cumbria selected to receive a STEM grant from Delkia were:

• Boltons C of E School
• Bridekirk Dovenby C of E Primary School
• Frizington Community Primary School
• Holme St Cuthbert School
• Maryport C of E Primary School
• St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School
• St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
• Thomlinson Junior School
• Valley Primary School

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School used their donation to deliver a science workshop on the theme of change and adaption, where pupils took part in activities including balloon expansion and cloud in a bottle.

Claire Davidson, Science Coordinator, said: “Thank you so much for the donation. It has allowed our children to take part in an amazing STEM workshop that has ignited their imaginations and helped them understand how science can impact their everyday lives.”

Maryport C of E Primary School hosted an engineering workshop, where pupils created structures in different shapes and sizes, and explored how they could be made more weatherproof and environmentally friendly.

Mrs Rowland-Jones and Mrs Brinicombe, Year 3 and 4 teachers, said: “The kind donation from Delkia enabled us to support the children in our school and broaden their horizons by providing more enrichment opportunities.”

St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School purchased sets of magnets, to support their lessons learning about forces.

Mrs Payton, Assistant Headteacher and Year 3 teacher, said: “Having this equipment allowed the pupils to develop a wide range of scientific skills, including asking questions, predicting, concluding and hypothesising. Thank you to Delkia for helping to support our children’s science education.”

Thomlinson Junior School used the funds so pupils could attend the REACT Science Show at Lakes College, where they were treated to interactive and entertaining demonstrations.

Angela Brown, Deputy Headteacher and Science Lead, said: “This donation from Delkia covered the transport costs from our school to the REACT Science Show. This meant that all 59 pupils in Year 6 were able to attend – at no cost for their families. Thank you!”

The other schools opted to buy electricity kits, construction sets, and set up an after-school STEM club.

Kurt Canfield, Delkia CEO, said: “We sincerely hope that our donations have enabled children to engage with tools and resources, explore scientific concepts and develop essential skills in STEM. Sparking curiosity today builds the engineers of tomorrow.”

This grant is the latest in Delkia’s CSR Plan to make a positive impact in its local community. Earlier this year, the company donated £1,000 to Growing Well – a charity that supports people in Cumbria experiencing mental ill health, through horticultural and community activities. Delkia’s donation enabled repairs to be made at their Egremont site, following damage caused by Storm Éowyn.

For more information about Delkia’s work, visit delkia.co.uk