St Mary’s NS and Alexion inspire the next generation of engineers

Alexion Pharmaceuticals and St. Mary’s NS teamed up again this year for the Engineering-in-a-Box initiative. It consists of 10 lessons where Alexion employees co-teach with the 6th class teachers to deliver engineering interactive lessons full of Science, Technology and Maths. All lessons engage the pupils through hands-on activities and experiments that promote critical thinking from lessons such as Process Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electronics and Transport.

The initiative is developed by STEAM Education Ltd, supported by Alexion and rolled out in the four 6th Classes this year in St Mary’s. The volunteers from Alexion have shared their passion for engineering and science with the 6th class pupils introducing them to many engineering and science fields and opening their minds to potential careers in the future.

The final presentation of projects took place in St Mary’s NS recently where Michael Doyle, Senior Manager Knowledge Transfer, Sabrina Walsh, Associate Director Operation Excellence and Program Management and Gertjan Horsthuis, Site Lead at Alexion joined the 6th Class teachers Mr Noone, Mr Lennon, Ms Browne and Ms McCormack as well as support teachers Ms Smyth, Ms Fallon and SNA Ms Kelly.

All pupils received their certificates and prizes from Gertjan Horsthuis and a special day was had by all.

Principal of St Mary’s Ailish McManus said she “has no doubt that this initiative has inspired the next generation of engineers in St Mary’s”.

She also took the opportunity to “sincerely thank STEAM Education Ltd in Cork and the Alexion volunteers and management for their continued support of this wonderful initiative.”