Youngsters had fun in the sun while honing their STEM skills.

The pupils at Bovington Academy spent the day with soldiers from the nearby armour centre at an outdoor STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshop.

Activities included looking at the mechanisms of a Jackal (Army vehicle) and learning how to build a wheelbarrow.

It is believed to be the first time soldiers from the camp have organised such a workshop for primary school children in the area.

Children from Years 4, 5, and 6 at Bovington took part in morning or afternoon sessions hosted by the soldiers.

In addition to honing their STEM skills the children also sharpened their teamwork and communication skills.

Sammy Armstrong, STEM lead at Bovington, helped to organise the workshop. She said it was just one element of a package in place at Bovington designed to ignite a passion for the subjects.

A STEM after-school club takes place every week on a Tuesday and STEM sessions will be sewn into the curriculum at Bovington from September with students making regular use of a Creator Space.

The room is equipped for developing STEM skills and is equipped with items including a 3D printer, virtual reality headset, hand tools and sewing machine.

Miss Armstrong said: “The children had a fantastic time at the STEM workshop. It has shown them how important STEM is to everyday life.

“The Army has held similar workshops in other schools in the area but this is the first time they have come into a primary school.

“The workshop allowed the children to work in groups so it also encouraged teamwork skills, communication and allowed them to take their learning outdoors.”

Year 5 student Nobina,10, said: “Learning how to put the wheelbarrow together was good fun and it has been great to learn some new skills. I definitely feel a sense of achievement. The workshop has definitely improved my confidence when building things and I would like to do more.”

Head boy and Year 6 student Jack,11, added: “It has been great to learn a new set of skills and get to know other pupils outside of my friendship group and work with them in a team. I’m interested in being a mechanic when I’m older and this workshop has been really useful.”

Principal Sara White said: “Thank you to the officers from the Army for coming in and organising this workshop.

"The children had a wonderful day and the sessions encouraged them to become more engaged with science, technology, engineering and maths.

"It has been great for them to understand how STEM subjects are widely applicable in general life.”