Back to experiences

Workshop

Children Challenging Industry

The CCI programme combines stimulating in-class practical science with teacher CPD and class visits to industry.

Children Challenging Industry

Is this experience available at your school?

Check here, it just takes a second. If it's not available we'll direct you to experiences that are!

CCI is a unique programme where children, teachers and STEM professionals from industry collaborate, under expert supervision and guidance from the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) primary science advisory teachers.

The programme combines fully-resourced in-class hands-on practical investigative science (told through industry stories whilst focusing on the National Curriculum for science – particularly Working Scientifically), visits to industry, and whole staff CPD.

One teacher and their class receive 2 half days of in-school support from an experienced advisory teacher, plus all the resources and lesson plans to deliver a third session.

The class then visit a local science company, where children carry out hands-on activities with engineers and scientists, who relate their work to the science the children have carried out in the classroom.

Finally, a 60-minute CPD session for teachers encourages a whole-school approach to developing children’s science capital. Schools can sign-up for ongoing e-support to support to implement the action plan over 2-3 terms and receive a completion certificate.

Teachers have been delighted with the way in which classroom sessions help to reinforce and revise concepts for end of Key Stage 2 teacher assessments in science.

Capacity, dates and locations

The programme is available for groups of up to 35 students in the North West, Humber, Hertfordshire and Aberdeen regions.

Schools list top 3 preferences of which of the 6 half terms they would like to participate. Dates are then arranged with the regional advisory teacher, taking other school commitments into account wherever possible.
Schools are matched to local companies, though occasionally we may ask a school if they can travel up to 30 miles to visit a suitable company.

Cost

The programme is heavily subsidised; the actual cost per school is £2000 but sponsorship from partner schools reduces this to £245-300 per school. Bursaries are sometime available.

Duration

5 sessions - including 1 for whole school staff, 1 half-day site visit, 3 half-day in-class sessions (2 delivered by CIEC).

 

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Materials
  • Rocks
  • Electricity
  • Forces
  • States of matter

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges

  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

Good for a career in...

  • Computing
  • Design
  • Electronics
  • Energy
What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

Log in to write a testimonial
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Workshop

Experience Day Challenger Workshops

Hands-on, practical workshops for up to 90 students delivered face-to-face or virtually by EDT's education team!

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • In-school
  • Multi-session
  • Cost may apply Bursaries available
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Trip

Network Rail STEM Lab

Interact with Network Rail employees and engage in a range of STEM-related activities linked to the rail industry.

  • Ages 7 to 11
  • Offsite
    • Milton Keynes
    • Milton Keynes
  • Half a day
  • Free
Icon representing Primary education Primary
Workshop

Lego SPIKE Coding Workshop

Learn to code your own Lego robot with Drax's Community and Education team. Available to schools near Drax Power Station.

  • Ages 9 to 11
  • In-school
  • 1 to 2 hours
  • Free

Careers resources