Publish date: 10 July 2025
Year 5 students at Leighton Academy in Crewe have had the chance to get hands-on experience learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) careers, as part of our pilot programme.
The Dream Big initiative is part of the Trust’s Social Value Plan, which includes the aim of enhancing the STEM curriculum for 20,000 local young people during the course of the programme.
Around 60 pupils had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities relating to four potential career areas – health, engineering, enterprise, and construction.
Barbara Smith, Year 5 teacher (Design & Technology Co-ordinator), said: “This was a fantastic experience and an amazing opportunity for the children to learn about a variety of STEM careers that are available to them in the future.
“The children really enjoyed the activities and were so enthusiastic throughout the day. The whole event was well-organised, and I would love to roll this out to the other year groups because of the benefits it would bring to all the children at Leighton Academy.”
Alice Eeley is the Programme Management Office Lead for the Healthier Futures team, which is responsible for delivering Crewe’s the new Leighton. She said: “We have a bold ambition for the future of health, this ambition goes beyond buildings and the provision of care. Our ambition is to be a catalyst for lasting social and economic change.
“We have developed a comprehensive Social Value Plan and are committed to ensuring that every penny invested in the Healthier Futures programme creates lasting value for both our people and our communities. We will raise aspirations, create new opportunities and strengthen wellbeing, unlocking a healthier future for all. Strengthening skills and employment opportunities and inclusion is one of our four key themes of the plan.
“This was the first time we’ve delivered the ‘Dream Big’ programme and it’s been a huge success. We’re now looking to roll it out to other schools, initially in Crewe, Northwich, Alsager, and Winsford.”
Dream Big was supported by Robertson, Bentley Motors, BAM Construction, Mitie, Cheshire East Council, Akerlof, and Urenco.
Any schools interested in participating in Dream Big should contact the Healthier Future’s team via engaginghealthierfutures
