Agenda item - STEMFest and Big Bang

Presentation by Caroline Wood, Director Coastal West Sussex Partnerships

9.1         The Board considered a presentation from Caroline Wood that provided detail on the recently held Coastal STEMfest event. STEMfest was an event put together as an opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people to take STEM subjects at school and was attended by 750 young people aged between 11-14 years, teachers, 13 schools from across coastal West Sussex with 21 business and partner exhibitors.

9.2         Andrew Swayne stated that a key focus of the event was to encourage children of primary school age to be interested in STEM subjects. The first had gone very well and he welcomed the wider programme proposed in the long-term with a focus on outcomes.

9.3         Prof. Humphris stated that research demonstrated that an effective strategy would be to engage with young females. Prof. Humphris relayed that it was hoped that Brighton & Hove would host the British Science Festival in 2017 that would represent a huge boost for the city.

9.4         RESOLVED­- That the presentation be noted.