07 November 2016
Local students discover theory of flight, Aviation at the core of Bahrain’s relationship with the UK
Global technology and aerospace firm BAE Systems, is hosting a series of workshops as part of a joint initiative to promote the critical importance of STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths. Working in partnership with the Bahrain National Museum, the British Council, Bahrain Polytechnic, and supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the education sessions are staged in Bahrain’s National Museum and will run until Thursday November 10th.
The workshops are part of an ongoing commitment BAE Systems has to support Bahraini authorities build skills amongst young people that lead to successful careers in technology and engineering, complementing the government’s economic development ambitions. They also contribute towards the celebrations commemorating 200 years of close cooperation between Bahrain and the United Kingdom.
Taking place at the popular “Spitfire at the Museum” exhibit, more than 850 students from a mix of private and public schools will experience the Theory of Flight workshops, in sight of a real World War II single-seat fighter aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire.
Commenting on behalf of BAE Systems, Andrew Wilson, Vice President and General Manager, BAE Systems Bahrain said: “It is entirely fitting that the theme of the STEM workshops should focus on the Theory of Flight and it is exciting for the students that they will be able to see a real Spitfire aircraft during the events at the Bahrain National Museum. Aviation has been at the core of Britain’s relationship with Bahrain since 1928 when the RAF first undertook surveys for airfields locally. Aerospace continues to be an important foundation for our future relationship and we are delighted to encourage Bahrain’s youth towards a career path that further cements our ties with the Kingdom.”
Presented by BAE Systems graduate engineer Mark Halsall and project management apprentice, Phoebe Brown together with volunteers from Bahrain Polytechnic, the workshops are designed to excite and encourage interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) related subjects that lead to careers in technology and engineering. STEM is an interdisciplinary educational curriculum focused on building the skills that drive innovation and fuel economic growth for the future.
To mark the official launch of the STEM workshop programme, the UK’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Simon Martin CMG and representatives from Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain Polytechnic, and BAE Systems will attend a ceremony at the National Museum in Manama.
Mr. Martin said: “I am delighted that the second STEM education initiative this year, led by one of the leading British companies, BAE Systems, has attracted such a large audience of schools and students. It is very encouraging to see that the success of the STEM workshops held at the Bahrain Polytechnic in March has carried over to this wonderful event at the Bahrain National Museum, drawing over 700 students. The enthusiasm of young Bahrainis to engage with STEM disciplines, and their interest in pursuing STEM at higher education level is inspiring.
This week’s events are part of a wider education outreach by BAE Systems, designed to encourage youngsters’ interest in the field of STEM through various exciting initiatives. I should particularly like to thank His Excellency the Minister of Education Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi how his continuous support for the initiatives, Her Excellency Shaikha Hala bint Mohammad Al Khalifa and His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa for hosting the STEM workshops at the Bahraini National Museum.
This initiative highlights the strength of the longstanding ties between Britain and Bahrain in the field of education and, as we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of relations between our two countries, this week’s workshops reflect the numerous ways education continues to strengthen this relationship.”
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities commented, “It is extremely difficult to encapsulate in brief a history that dates back more than two-hundred years. However, it is good to stop and examine key milestones that helped shape the shared history between the two countries. The “Spitfire in Bahrain”, an exhibition which opened last May at the Bahrain National Museum in partnership with BAE Systems, is an example which illuminated one of the numerous aspects that define the current closely-knit relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Kingdom. As such, we are very proud of the historic significance embodied by the Supermarine Spitfire’s presence, an aircraft which flew across the skies of Bahrain some 80 years ago. What makes us prouder still is utilizing this occasion to conduct workshops for 850 young students in the Bahrain National Museum main hall to raise awareness amongst the next generation about our friendly relations with the United Kingdom.”
British Council Director, Alan Rutt, commented: “It’s great to be able to give students the chance to see where a STEM education could take them in the future and to connect the next generation of Bahraini engineers with new skills, knowledge and opportunities from the UK. It’s important that the private and public sector continue to collaborate through practical, people to people events such as these, where students can benefit first hand from industry expertise, ask questions and develop their potential.”
Dr. Mohamed Al Aseeri, Acting CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic said: “We believe the STEM workshop programme plays a significant role in expanding career options for our youth. These workshops will be conducted in a practical manner, and we believe this interactive teaching approach, which is similar to the Polytechnic’s teaching style, will help promote STEM related subjects and its importance among the youth. Last year, we hosted the workshop at our campus, and we hope that it continues to be a success to benefit the future generation of our Kingdom.”
Through its educational outreach programme, BAE Systems has been actively engaged with educators and students in the region and this will be the third such event the company has hosted in Bahrain. The company aims at inspiring the next generation of engineers and providing opportunities for secondary school and university students to learn about careers in engineering.
