Lego centre will boost engineering skills in Gosport students

From left, Lilly Watts, 10, from Elson Junior School, Liwia Ochwat, 11, from Siskin Junior School, Axl Rose, 11, from Siskin, Oakley Herridge, nine from Elson, Stanley Law, nine, from Brockhurst Junior School and Jaydon Kent, eight, from Brockhurst. With them are Gareth Boldsworth from Lego, left, and Stephen Shaw from Brune Park Picture: Ian Hargreaves (160965-1)

And one school’s pupils will be learning about it in an unusual way – with Lego.

Brune Park School in Gosport, launched its Lego Innovation Centre yesterday, which encourages students to learn about Stem subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths.

And the hub will be available to pupils at primary schools in the Brune Park catchment area, who will be able to use £20,000 of Lego.

Stephen Shaw, innovation and development manager at Brune Park, said: ‘We have been planning the centre since February last year so it is exciting to see it finally open.

‘It will be open to primary schools in the area and we want the community to use it too. We want it to be used as often as it can.’

There is Lego for all ages starting at four and continuing up to 18 years old.

Some of the kits are for robotics while one is bluetooth-controlled. It means anything built from the Lego can be controlled by a computer.

Mr Shaw added: ‘This centre will help our students understand and learn robotics.

‘It is about inspiring students for the future and giving them the opportunity to try engineering and the Stem subjects.

‘It is huge for us as a school and it is great for the community as well.’

Organisations in the Gosport area gave money to help get the centre up and running. St Vincent College, Fareham College and Cemast at the Daedalus Enterprise Zone will use the site.

Gosport councillor John Beavis, who is chairman of Gosport Marine Scene welcomed the centre.

He works with Brune Park on different innovation projects. He said: ‘It is good to get young people involved in anything to do with innovation.

‘What amazes me is the thought process that some of the youngsters come up with to make the robots. It is fantastic to see such a great facility in Gosport.’

Gareth Boldsworth, European sales director for Lego Education, helped launch the centre.

He said: ‘We want to make an impact on students’ lives and give them a chance to express their creativity.

‘This centre is the start of an engineering pathway for some students.’