As part of our recent Careers week at St Paul’s, a group of Year 12 students visited Dundalk Institute of Technology for a taster day in engineering and computer games development.

The students were given two practical sessions and demonstrations on the use of mathematics in engineering and computer science.

The engineers showed how maths is used in a variety of engineering fields including mechanical, civil and electronic engineering.  The students were shown the role of maths in developing and testing the components for building aircraft and other large machinery; measuring the flow of water in a river to predict flooding; and in building electronic circuits.

The computer games developers demonstrated how straight-line graphs and quadratic equations are used to model the movements of characters and objects in computer games.  The students were shown how the movement of a bullet in a game such as “Call of Duty” would have been created using mathematical equations.  They were then given the opportunity to work with 3D Max software to create their own “minion” characters.  This is the same professional software used by Disney Pixar and other film studios and computer games developers to create movies and games such as “Toy Story”, “Finding Nemo”, “Avatar”, “Splinter Cell” and “Gears of War”.

 Pictured above is Pat Jameson from Sentinus giving a talk to Year 10 students.

On Friday 8^th of March, as part of our Careers week, Pat Jameson from Sentinus provided our Year 10 students with an Engineering experience.

Every pupil had the opportunity to work as a member of a team constructing circuits and building a hovercraft. They learnt about the importance of STEM and he did a very worthwhile presentation on Cyber bullying.

It was a very enjoyable experience for all the pupils.

Pictured above is Paul Mc Crory from ‘Learn Differently’, delivering a Key Stage 2 show to pupils from our local primary schools. 

Paul Mc Crory from ‘Learn Differently’, in collaboration with Queen’s University in Belfast, came to St Paul’s last week, to deliver an exciting road show entitled ‘Chemical Connections’ for our Year 8 pupils. The show involved a series of interactive experiments which the pupils are able to try at home. Each show lasted for an hour and everyone had a brilliant time.

As part of our Shared Education Programme (SEP), Paul also did a Key Stage 2 show for our local primary school pupils. It is a pleasure to have them visit our school and we hope they enjoyed the experience.

 Pictured are key stage three pupils from St Paul’s, being shown a demonstration on how one of the machines work. 

Key Stage three and Key Stage four pupils visited the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Bus recently and were given an awareness of what can be achieved in the areas of Engineering and Technology with the aid of CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture).

Machines demonstrated were:

1. CNC  - used to engrave or cut wood and metal.
2. Laser Cutter – used to cut out a Key fob in acrylic with a hole in it and a name etched on the surface.
3. 3D Printer – used to manufacture products or model prototypes by layering plastic to build up the product.
4. Ink Printer – to imbed names/logos onto the surface of a ceramic mug.
5. Computer controlled Lathe – used to make a screw in brass with an M10 thread.

The type of method or process used for manufacturing products depends on the following:

• Quantity: for example – a one off, a small batch or mass production of thousands/millions.
• Will the design or product need to be made again?
• How often is the design going to be changed?
• The material being used.
• Is it a prototype? 

Students were also engaged to consider the advantages and disadvantages of such methods of production against ‘manual’ ways.

Once again, the STEM bus paid a welcome visit to St Paul’s High School.

The purpose of the STEM visit was to allow pupils the opportunity to gain experience in using techniques in DNA technology. These included cutting DNA with restriction enzymes and genetic finger printing.

The experience is invaluable as it offers pupils the opportunity to use apparatus which is not available in schools.

The IET presenter had the pupils jumping off their seats to get involved.

On Wednesday 19th September the IET presented two exciting new shows that aimed to inspire the next generation of engineers. Our own Year 8s and pupils from St Peter’s Primary School, Cloughreagh, St Joseph’s Primary School, Bessbrook and Bessbrook Primary School were entertained with the show ‘Who Wants to be a Superhero?’ and our Year 10 pupils had a ‘Rough Guide to Engineering’. The shows were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

See below for pictures of the event.

Recent past pupil Emer McDonnell, who is currently studying for a Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, was presented with a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Entrance Scholarship Award.   The award was presented to her by Professor Ellen Douglas-Cowie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University at a ceremony held recently at Queen’s.

Emer’s parents and family were present at the ceremony, as well as Principal of St Paul’s, Mr Oliver Mooney, who congratulated Emer on her award, and praised her hard work and endeavour.

Well Done Emer!

Year 13 STEM students at St Paul’s High School are invited to apply for a Nuffield Science Foundation Bursary.  
Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1000 bursaries a year, for students to work alongside practising scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

If you’re a student in the first year of an advanced or higher-level science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) course, you could join a project for four to six weeks in an area of STEM that interests you.

You’ll receive a bursary of £80 a week to help you make the most of your experience. It will give you an insight into the world of STEM research and development, and be highly valued by future employees and admissions tutors at centres of higher education.

Working as part of a team, you’ll take the initiative on projects that make a difference, write a project report and receive a certificate of achievement.

Demand for bursaries will be high and we advise you to apply early.

What you will get from your Science Bursary experience:

• - First hand experience of science, technology, engineering and maths in a working environment.
• - An opportunity to use the knowledge gained in school physics, chemistry, engineering, technology etc. in a real context.Insight into current research and development.
• - The chance to make a contribution to the work of your host organisation.
• - A greater awareness of possible career opportunities.
• - The chance to meet professional and graduate engineers, scientists, mathematicians and technologists.
• - Something to talk about at university interviews.
• - Experience of teamwork, interviews, presentations, and writing reports.
• - The chance to develop personally as well as professionally.
• - The chance to apply for a British Science Association Crest Award at Gold/Silver level, through which you might have the opportunity to attend Regional / National / International Science Fairs.
• - An opportunity to meet students from a variety of schools/colleges and backgrounds.
• - The chance to become an ambassador for the scheme and share your experiences with other interested parties.
  

  Last year four Year 13 students from St Paul’s were successful and received bursaries, and worked with our partner Norbrook Pharmaceuticals.

If you’re interested in applying, you can speak to Mrs McConville at St Paul’s, or find out more information by visiting the Nuffield site.