A unique programme to inspire secondary school pupils culminated in a tour of Manchester.
More than 20 year 10 pupils from across West Cumbria participated in this year’s ICanToo programme run by charitable organisation The React Foundation, with employability skills provider Inspira.
The programme’s focus is to help pupils see beyond their limits and explore opportunities in science and engineering.
The 21 youngsters from Egremont’s West Lakes Academy, Whitehaven’s St Benedict’s, Maryport’s Netherhall and Cockermouth School were treated to a three-day visit of Manchester where they visited Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, the University of Salford, Museum of Science and Industry and enjoyed an experience in the cockpit of Concorde.
The programme, supported this year with funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust and the Granada Foundation, combines a range of aspirational activities such as educational university workshops, tours of engineering facilities, business-related tasks and regular individual personal development mentoring sessions with Inspira.
Ben Clements, a pupil at West Lakes Academy, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed all the experiences. I have an interest in architecture and was fascinated by the new skyscrapers during the tour of central Manchester.
“I enjoyed exploring the museum as this was the first time I have had the opportunity to do so for a whole day and I liked taking in all the information provided. I can speak for everyone and say that Concorde was a real highlight.”
The ICanToo programme is an initiative developed and organised by the trustees and volunteers at The React Foundation, which enrols students in year nine and supports them through year 10 encouraging them to see beyond their existing horizon, raising their aspirations to help them to achieve their potential and consider STEM subjects beyond GCSEs.
The foundation was created in 2004 by Cleator Moor-based company React Engineering to raise aspirations of young people and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Tom Wright, the ICanToo organiser and volunteer at the foundation, said: “It is with thanks to my colleagues at The React Foundation for their hard work behind the scenes in organising such a memorable trip, to the Granada Foundation for their valuable and generous support and to Inspira for their ongoing vital input that this trip was such a huge success.
“Most importantly, we have to say thank you to all the pupils who showed great commitment to learn throughout the programme and seized these great opportunities which don’t come about easily.”
Andrew Monaghan, group leader and mentor from Inspira, who accompanied the pupils on the trip, said “It’s been great to mentor the ICanToo cohort throughout this year and the Manchester trip has been a fitting finale for the trips they have been on.
“The pupils should be proud of themselves.”
