13 Feb 2003
In an answer to the country's need for more engineers, BAE Systems has sponsored 3 more specialist schools who will take up Specialist School Status involving engineering.
In a new step, all of the schools entered combined applications to the Department for Education and Skills in what is the toughest of competitions for secondary schools. City of Portsmouth School has been awarded Engineering and Maths status with Broadlands School Bristol and Westcliff School for Girls near Southend gaining engineering and science status. All of the schools submitted a plan written in collaboration with BAE Systems and stand to gain 600,000 of government funding.
Chris Rogan, Director of Education Partnerships for BAE Systems said, "These schools have pioneered a new approach with us to bring the challenge and excitement of systems engineering into the day to day activities of their schools. Their experience of engineering will mirror the hi-tech, systems engineering process found in BAE Systems and will involve the schools and us working together to develop of a new course for the 14-19 age range."
As Specialist Schools, all 3 schools must continue to offer the national curriculum to their students, but they will be able to focus their newly acquired extra resources to develop the subjects they are specialising in. Students will have a first-hand experience of modern engineering and will be able to make a fully informed career choice. BAE Systems will provide expert advice from its Systems Engineering Team and Loughborough University to develop a unique collection of support materials and mentors for schools. BAE Systems' Ambassadors will support work in the classroom as students explore issues and challenges from concept to disposal.
Chris Rogan added, "The young people currently at school are the future for BAE Systems. They need to experience the engineering processes found in modern engineering so that they can feel the sense of achievement in engineering a solution. We hope that many of them will go on to continue their studies in engineering at Further and Higher Education and ultimately in BAE Systems."
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills.
BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
