Powering Ahead: Renewable Energy Workshop
Wind turbines are a familiar sight in the East of England. Take your students on a journey to find out more about the renewable energy sector in this fun hands-on workshop!
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
What does 'renewable' energy mean? STEMPOINT take KS3 pupils on a journey to demystify various energy sources and explain what wind turbines actually do and how they work.
Students will take part in a fun, hands-on challenge to build and test their own wind turbine. Along the way, they'll meet local people who work in the renewable energy industry and gain an understanding of the breadth of career opportunities available locally.
There is a significant skills shortage faced by the energy industry in the East of England and STEMPOINT believes that the best way to address this is by engaging with the future workforce. This workshop helps bring to life an important and visible part of the modern landscape: wind turbines. It explains in simple terms how they work and the many varied jobs and careers associated with renewable energy, especially in the East of England. This is a crucial sector in this part of the country.
It helps meet Gatsby Benchmarks by introducing role models from industry.
Cost
This is a funded workshop for schools in designated areas of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Schools in other areas of the East of England who do not meet the geographical/FSM criteria can request a paid-for workshop on a not-for-profit basis.
Capacity
Up to 60 students per workshop.
Details
- School subject
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- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Design
- Group size
- Whole class, Whole year group
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Half day
- Dates
- 8 September 2025 – 17 July 2026
- Cost
- Cost may apply
- Location
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In-school
- East of England
- Essex
- Norfolk
- Suffolk
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
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
- 5 - Encounters with employers and employees
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
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:
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Enrichment framework
- 7 - An outcomes-focused enrichment offer
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer