Primary school pupils have discovered the science, engineering and technology that keeps the region moving, after taking part in a ‘Behind the Buses’ experience with Stagecoach East and Cambridge Science Centre.
The immersive day gave Year 4 pupils from Beaupre Community Primary School in Outwell the opportunity to explore the science behind public transport, combining hands-on STEM learning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Stagecoach East’s Peterborough depot.
The pupils began the day at Cambridge Science Centre’s Wisbech venue in the Horsefair Shopping Centre, where they explored how science and engineering shape the world around them, through interactive exhibits like a fly-your-spinner Wind Tunnel and a Join the Crew science show exploring space travel.
They then travelled to Stagecoach East’s Peterborough depot where they took part in a series of activities designed to show them what it takes to keep hundreds of buses safely on the road every day. After receiving a full safety briefing and specially designed hi-vis jackets, they took part in science activities designed by the depot’s Engineering Team, went through the bus wash, and even got to ‘drive a bus’ using a specially modified and redesigned mobility scooter.
The event was designed to show pupils that STEM can be found in unexpected places, helping them connect classroom learning with real-world careers and inspiring the next generation of engineers, technicians and innovators.
Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, said: “We were so excited to offer these wonderful young people this opportunity – it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm at such a young age
“We were able to let them see the full operations of Stagecoach East, from engineering to the day-to-day running of our fleet, and we made sure they didn’t leave empty handed, sending them home with their special jackets to remember the day.
“I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. At Stagecoach, we always say that we ‘plan for the future’ and young people, like these, could certainly be the future of the bus industry.”
Rebecca Porter, CEO of Cambridge Science Centre, said: “One of the most powerful things we can do for young people is help them see that science isn’t confined to classrooms or laboratories – it’s all around them, powering the things they use every day. Whether it’s understanding how a bus engine works, the technology behind modern transport, or the engineering that keeps services running safely, experiences like this help children make those real-world connections.
“When learning is hands-on, exciting and rooted in everyday life, it sparks curiosity, builds confidence and helps young people begin to imagine themselves in STEM careers they may never have considered before.
“That’s why partnerships like this are so important. By bringing together businesses, educators and organisations like Cambridge Science Centre, we can give children inspiring experiences that simply wouldn’t be possible alone. We would love to hear from more organisations across the region who want to help inspire the next generation by opening the door to the incredible science, engineering and technology behind what they do every day.”
Melissa Jennett, one of the teachers accompanying the children on the trip, from Beaupre Primary, adds: “The children had such a wonderful and exciting day. The initial excitement started when they were able to sit on the top deck of a double decker bus! They particularly enjoyed driving the buses and printing tickets at the bus depot and engaging in the practical experiments at the science centre.”
Transport & Logistics Magazine – Driving The Industry Forward
