Primary school children will be getting the opportunity to learn the science behind bread-making.
The initiative will run during British Science Week as part of a STEM (Science Technology English and Maths) initiative by Northern Ireland’s leading flour mill Neill’s Flour.
British Science Week (March 8-17) is a 10-day celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, and to embrace this year’s ‘Journeys’ theme, Neill’s Flour will be visiting primary schools to deliver workshops on the journey of bread-making.
The cross-community initiative, which will be rolled out across the province every year, will kick off with visits to Victoria Primary School, Belfast, and St Joseph’s Primary School in Ballyhackamore.
Neill’s Flour STEM Ambassador Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale, who will be delivering the workshops, said they are very passionate about giving back to the community.
“STEM is such an important focus for education and a lot of the emphasis of this is within secondary schools, so we are delighted to be bringing our workshop to primary school children to give them a hands-on understanding of the science behind bread-making.
“To follow up their learnings on the day, the pupils will then design a creative flowchart on their understanding of the process, and will have the opportunity to win tickets to see the Belfast Giants,” she added.
As part of the workshop, Neill’s will also be giving pupils the opportunity to participate in the CREST Awards operated by the British Science Association.
STEM Ambassador Programme Manager Julia Carson said they work to link their STEM ambassadors with schools so they can act as positive role models to help inspire and engage young people about training and education, direct entry routes, career paths, job prospects and the high earning potential of STEM jobs.
“In Northern Ireland we have a massive lack of STEM ambassadors for food and drink, so it is this sector that would really value from having more volunteers and mentors. With this in mind, we are delighted that Neill’s Flour has stepped up to engage on behalf of the food and drink sector,” she added.
And Paul Donaldson, Principal at St Joseph’s Primary School which will host one of the workshops said they ensure STEM projects are as stimulating and rewarding as possible, enabling pupils to develop an interest that extends beyond the classroom.
“With the ever-growing demand on the school’s budget, the link between schools and local businesses is becoming more important in attempting to achieve that goal. For that reason, we are delighted to be one of the first schools picked to launch Neill’s Flour’s Science Workshop programme,” he added.
Daniel Ryden, Vice Principal at Victoria Primary School, said all children love hands-on practical science activities such as the ones they will be taking part in throughout the workshop.
For more information on accessing these workshops, you can contact Keavy O’Mahony-Truesdale at Neill’s Flour on 02890321626. Or for information on becoming a STEM Ambassador, visit www.w5online.co.uk/stem-hub/ambassadors.