ABOUT US

WHAT IS THE NORTH STAR PROGRAMME?

Realising the ambitious vision for the South Yorkshire Region – home of world class manufacturing.

The North Star programme promotes and applauds innovation and opportunity in the South Yorkshire Region to inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEAM subjects. We back a vision for the UK to become the best place in the world to practice Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

South Yorkshire has a proud industrial heritage built from the power of steam. Inventions and improvement in manufacturing processes in the region played a key role in the industrial revolution which transformed the world.

We believe it is THE place in the UK for people to connect, co-locate, collaborate and innovate; attracting business and investment from all over the world. It is home to world-class brands including Boeing, McLaren Automotive, Rolls-Royce, UK AEA, Arconic, Liberty Steel, Toshiba and Forgemasters.

The North Star programme promotes and applauds innovation and opportunity in the South Yorkshire Region to inspire the next generation to consider careers in STEAM subjects.

WHAT IS NORTH STAR SCIENCE SCHOOL?

In December 2020, we welcomed over 2000 students from the South Yorkshire region to our first ever North Star Science School. Since then, the programme has grown each year.

A blended live and digital programme showcased the cutting edge of science and engineering exposing students to the fascinating range of opportunities which a career in STEAM can offer.

Throughout the North Star event week, young people were exposed to inspirational talks from leading scientists and engineers and engaged in interactive and creative activities delivered by our partners.

Professor Brian Cox CBE joined us for the launch day, giving his own keynote lecture on ‘Space, Time and Black Holes’ before answering questions submitted by the students taking part.

North Star is now creating a year-round programme to build practical links between world-class businesses and our partner schools in the South Yorkshire Region.

WHERE DID THE NORTH STAR SCIENCE SCHOOL COME FROM?

Initially by the Well Rotherham programme, a public health innovation initiative at South Yorkshire Housing Association, we are an ambitious cross-sector partnership of local industry, education and community organisations. Our activity culminated in the North Star event in 2020 delivered in partnership with Professor Brian Cox and Lord Andrew Mawson’s celebrated Science Summer School.

We believe that inspired communities can chart their own path to health, wealth and happiness. We see that beneath the regional vision for excellence sit the inspirational stories, endeavour and aspiration of thousands of people; like stars forming a galaxy.

The 2021 event was led by The Work-wise Foundation, an employer-led charity for STEM fields such as engineering and manufacturing, and beyond. We support the development of young people so they have the knowledge, skills, aptitude and opportunities for employment within the Sheffield City Region.

WHAT IS THE ST PAUL'S WAY SUMMER SCIENCE SCHOOL?

Now in its tenth year, St Paul’s Way Trust Science Summer School hosts this annual event with its Patron Professor Brian Cox OBE. St Paul’s Way Trust School, a ‘National Teaching School’ and a ‘Through School’, places science at the heart of the curriculum with its unique Faraday learning pathway. The aim is to inspire young people to become the next generation of Britain’s scientists.

Our new sixth form research laboratories, designed by Queen Mary University of London, build on this offer by giving students access to exciting and cutting edge research opportunities such as the Authentic Biology DNA research project.

The opportunities for exciting and innovative careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) are almost limitless. In line with our vision for excellence, the Science Summer School present an annual inspirational programme which mixes the best of STEAM subjects with a focus on Engineering, through a series of seminars, discussions and hands-on experiments.