Delivering social value through STEM activity

Members of our Civil Engineering and Highways Maintenance Teams recently inspired children at a primary school in Eastleigh.   

There were several educational aims, including challenging gender stereotypes, broadening pupils' horizons, highlighting exciting STEM opportunities to raise career aspirations and build their self-belief. The STEM based day was designed to give pupils the opportunity to connect learning to life and the application of STEM in the world around them.  

Students rotated through a series of sessions including environment, road safety and site set up. The hands-on activities, such as the bridge-building and estimating sessions, brought the subjects to life for the pupils. One of the day's highlights was the Dragons’ Den session, where Year 6 students presented their innovative ideas for improving road worker safety. 

As well as learning about the different roles in civil engineering, construction and the work that M Group delivers, locally and nationally, pupils also had the opportunity to see a gritter lorry and traffic management equipment in their own playground. 

Students gained an understanding about the key role that Highways play in their local community, building on their road safety understanding and offering insights into future careers. In addition, the event supported development of essential skills, such as listening, speaking, problem solving and teamwork.