Innovative firm encourages pupils to think 'outside the box' with special STEM in a Day activity packs

An innovative Hampshire firm aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians with hands-on activities in schools.

Barnbrook Systems Ltd has joined forces with educational trailblazer Curiosity Box to fund a dozen STEM in a Day packs for primary schools in Hampshire.

The boxes includes curriculum-linked experiments and workshop materials to ignite the passion of youngsters for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in a fun and exciting way.

Barnbrook Systems Ltd of Fareham is a trailblazer in the Intelligent Internet of Things (IIOT) with its remote sensing and tracking BlueCube technology.

It also supports skills development and training within industry and education, including an intern programme for students from local colleges.

Andrew Barnett, pictured left, Managing Director, is a STEM ambassador in Hampshire schools.

He said: “It is so important to nurture the next generation who are our employees of tomorrow.

“Curiosity’s Box’s brilliant initiative uses the wonder of discovery, experimentation and exploration to open up the world of STEM to children while they are young.

“As a local firm which provides innovative engineering solutions globally we are committed to supporting the area where we are based and from where many of our skilled employees will come in the future.

“We’re proud to have our name on the STEM in a Day boxes and I hope the pupils have lots of fun with them.”

Barnbrook Systems, based in Fareham with nearly 50 staff, has supported STEM initiatives, academia and industry skills development over many years.

Its intern programme welcomes students from such educational institutions as Fareham College and its Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training (CEMAST) at Daedalus airfield in Lee-on-the-Solent.

The company also sponsors universities and welcomes students, while Andrew goes into schools to inspire pupils.

Barnbrook’s cutting-edge BlueCube technology is deployed in applications across numerous market sectors, including remote monitoring, tracking and intervention in helicopter fuel systems, E-bag lithium-ion battery fire suppression systems, green hydrogen storage, transportation and usage and brake controllers for trains.

Curiosity Box, based in Oxfordshire, offers a variety of themed boxes to bring STEM alive for pupils aged four to 11 with hands-on activities.

It aims to reach one million young people with ‘curiosity-led learning’.

Barnbrook recently showcased its innovative technology at the Farnborough International Airshow when Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer launched a new Skills England agency.

Andrew welcomed the initiative when he met Sir Kier at the show.