Case Study: London School Connects Underrepresented Pupils to Engineering through Engineering a Career Course
Introduction
Primary Engineer has been transforming classrooms across the UK with fully-funded, engaging programmes and competitions for 20 years. However, through Primary Engineer’s dynamic range of professional development opportunities, they have been enabling teachers and practitioners to further their understanding of the engineering sector, engineers’ skill sets and career pathways into the industry. This case study explores how Kingsbury Green Primary School in London has used valuable insights from our ‘Engineering a Career’ CPD course to link it to every subject and amplify accessibility in their teaching of engineering to show underrepresented pupils there is a place for them in this field.
Why are they involved?
Sneha Patel, Design and Technology Leader and Qualified Teacher of the Deaf / SENCo at Kingsbury Green Primary School has been working with Primary Engineer for a few years now. “I got involved in the Engineering a Career course to expose all pupils—including those from underrepresented groups such as Deaf pupils, girls, and those eligible for the Pupil Premium—to the world of engineering. I recognised my own limited knowledge of the engineering field and wanted to develop a deeper understanding, especially given the national shortage of engineers. As primary educators, we are in a unique position to influence children’s aspirations from an early age. I wanted to understand how I could use my role to inspire and equip our pupils to see themselves as future engineers, contributing meaningfully to society.”
Sneha’s comment is further supported by data which shows that historically, many engineers were inspired by a relative or family friend who was already in the industry. But what if children don’t have these role models? How can we make careers in engineering industries of interest to all, irrespective of gender or socio-economic background? At Primary Engineer, we believe children’s next natural role models – teachers – are the key. That’s why our programmes and competitions are teacher-led in the classroom.
What has the experience been like?
When reflecting on the course experience, Sneha said “It has been eye-opening, empowering, and highly impactful—both for me as an educator and for the pupils I teach. It gave me practical tools, knowledge, and confidence to integrate engineering concepts into primary teaching in an inclusive and engaging way. The course highlighted how engineering is all around us and showed me how to make it relevant to children, especially those who may not traditionally see themselves represented in STEM. I particularly valued the opportunity to explore real-world engineering careers and bring that knowledge back to the classroom. It helped me better understand the importance of early exposure and aspiration-building, especially for Deaf pupils and other underrepresented groups. It’s made me more intentional in the way I plan and deliver STEM learning across the school.”
Conclusion
When asked if her new knowledge from this course might change her teaching approach, Sneha said “It will be much more purposeful, inclusive, and careers-focused. I plan to embed engineering more explicitly into the curriculum—not just as a set of skills, but as a way of thinking and problem-solving that connects to real-world challenges. I’ll highlight diverse role models in engineering and link classroom learning to actual careers, making it clear to pupils—especially Deaf children and those from underrepresented backgrounds—that engineering is for them too. I’ll also give more opportunities for hands-on exploration, teamwork, and creativity, while making sure accessibility is at the heart of every activity. My aim is to spark curiosity and ambition, helping children see themselves as future engineers who can make a difference.”
Huge thank you to Kingsbury Green Primary School for sharing these valuable insights. If you have worked with us and want to share your experiences, contact us on marketing@Primaryengineer.com
If you want to learn more about the courses and qualifications we offer, take a look on our website.
Image copyright: https://www.kingsburygreenprimaryschool.org.uk/