Corporate Responsibility

British chemical company inspires STEM interest in girls

A school survey from specialist chemical manufacturer, Airedale Chemical, found that 90% of female students considered science to be their favourite subject following a visit to the company’s Yorkshire site.
 
As part of an ongoing partnership, pupils at Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School were given the opportunity to visit Airedale Chemical’s site for a day of experiments, exploring how blubber works, understanding effluent water treatment and how penguins stay dry. A survey completed after the event revealed that a huge 100% of the students said they were more interested in science following the visit and almost all (90%) of female pupils revealed it was their new favourite subject. The trip to Airedale Chemical also resulted in more than two thirds (68%) of the children stating that they would like to work in a science-related career in the future and 96% felt the trip to Airedale Chemical helped their understanding of science.
 
Head of marketing at Airedale Chemical, Daniel Marr, said: “We were amazed at the flood of positive feedback. The aim of this partnership is to boost pupils’ interest in STEM subjects and share our expertise, which we believe we have achieved due to the students’ boosted enthusiasm for science.”
 
Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School also had their lessons brought to life by Airedale Chemical’s research and development chemist, Madeline Lofthouse, as part of the schools careers week to inspire pupils with her love of science and answered questions from the enthusiastic audience.
 
This is the second year of the partnership and earlier this year Airedale Chemical donated £500 worth of science books to the children. Plans are being made for future educational visits and events as part of the company’s Airedale Foundation activity and corporate social responsibility pledges.
 
Airedale Chemical was established in 1973 and is a leader in chemical and contract manufacturing, servicing markets including agriculture, dairy, water treatment and waste management. To find out more about Airedale Chemical visit https://www.airedalechemical.com