PUPILS from a seaside school headed to college to find out more about marine engineering recently.

Pembrokeshire College engineering staff welcomed Mainstay Marine and pupils from Broad Haven School for a day of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based activities.

The Year 5 pupils started their morning with a challenge set by Mainstay Marine project manager Emma Lewis and industrial design engineer Jacqueline Rawsthorne.

They were tasked to design and construct a boat which could support a weight without it sinking.

“I loved the day, especially making my boat, which actually floated,” said Libby Phillips.

The College aims to raise awareness of STEM subjects to primary age children and as class-based theory is sometimes not enough to excite young people practical activities and team challenges are incorporated as well.

“We specifically want to encourage girls to choose science and engineering related courses as it can lead to rewarding, professional careers,” said mechanical engineer and College lecturer Karen Flannery. “Increasingly, large engineering and construction organisations are becoming more pro-active in their pursuit of raising awareness to females in this usually male dominated sector.”

Lecturers William Bateman, Richard McDermott and Karen, asked teams to design and build a vehicle using a giant set of Meccano which would have to navigate an assault course without spilling any liquid it was carrying.

Assistant headteacher Viv grey said: “This has been an exceptional day for our children, the activities and the staff have been great. I want to book today for next year’s event!”