We are delighted to share recent updates to our ongoing ‘STEM in the Fens’ project, connecting Fenland towns to stimulating and educational experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With our outreach Centre now firmly rooted in Wisbech, we’re not just bringing the wonders of STEM to life for families and young people — we’re helping revitalise the Horsefair Shopping Centre and local area with the aim of fostering meaningful community connections.
Why Wisbech?
As part of our commitment to serve traditionally underserved communities with enriching educational opportunities, we expanded the STEM in the Fens project to Wisbech.
Our aims for this initiative are to:
- Connect Fenland towns – including March, Chatteris, and Ramsey, to dynamic STEM learning.
- Create safe spaces – for families to explore STEM through hands-on activities and exhibits.
- Build relationships – to strengthen bonds between young people, their communities, and STEM.
- Raise aspirations – to support science education and highlight the everyday impacts of STEM.
Year one success in Wisbech
In September 2023, our PopUp Science Centre was hosted by the fantastic Wisbech and Fenland Museum. Over two months, we welcomed over 2,300 visitors and reached 32 classes from 11 local schools with interactive workshops.
The collaboration led to an introduction to the Horsefair Shopping Centre team, culminating in an agreement allowing us to make a more permanent home in the shopping centre. Once installed, we held a promotional event to showcase of ‘STEM in the Fens’ initiative, attended by community leaders, including Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, which has been instrumental in funding and supporting this project.
Expanding our vision
In 2024, seeking a more spacious venue for full-scale school visits, we secured a temporary hub at the Horsefair Shopping Centre’s former Argos unit.
During this phase, we saw over 3,000 visitors, including 31 classes from 11 local schools, Scout and Cub groups, and SEN children and adult groups who participated in engaging sessions such as:
– Genetics and Evolution workshops
– Space Exploration sessions
– Home Education and STEMtots sessions: specific groups tailored for various learning needs.
We also introduced the popular ‘Surrounded by STEM’ art project, showcasing Year 5 and 6 students’ interpretations of STEM’s impact on daily life.
Our connection within the local community grew with visits from Youths of the Fenland and College of West Anglia. We have also been working with the Centre for Landscape Regeneration team and have co-developed a workshop in which young people discover for themselves how people have changed and developed the landscape around them and how they would like to see their community develop in the future. To date, the workshop has currently been accessed by over 13 schools with approximately 400 students taking part.
A permanent space for STEM in Wisbech
In September 2024, we took our project to the next level by securing a two-year lease for the Horsefair Shopping Centre unit and establishing a permanent STEM hub in Wisbech. Open since November 2024, the new hub promises even more enriching opportunities for local communities to explore STEM.
The impact
The feedback from parents, educators, and community members has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the Centre’s role in sparking curiosity, building confidence, and creating a sense of belonging for young learners.
“This is brilliant. I am so pleased this is here. I’m really excited about this!”
“Wisbech really needs things like this. You are doing a grand job – thank you.”
“Well done guys. Honestly, thank you for being here!”
Join Us!
Whether you’re a parent looking for exciting activities, a teacher seeking inspiring workshops for your school, or a funder interested in supporting meaningful community initiatives, the Wisbech STEM hub offers something for everyone.
By working together, we can raise awareness of the importance of STEM and inspire the next generation of innovators in Fenland. Contact our project lead, Joanne Staines at joannestaines@cambridgesciencecentre.org