Friends of Cabragh (PTA) is registered charity established in 2017 by parents of children attending St Mary’s Primary School in Cabragh. The group works in partnership with the school to support projects that enhance educational outcomes and promote the wellbeing of all pupils.
Through a combination of fundraising and grant support, Friends of Cabragh has delivered a range of initiatives over the past seven years. More recently, the focus has turned to addressing a gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) provision within the school.
A pilot afterschool STEM club for Key Stage 2 pupils demonstrated strong engagement and positive feedback from both pupils and staff. Building on this success, the school now aims to expand STEM learning opportunities to all pupils by introducing a whole-school approach supported by appropriate resources and structured activities.
The project seeks to spark early interest in STEM by helping children make meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. By introducing age-appropriate, hands-on experiences, pupils will gain a better understanding of STEM-related roles and the opportunities available to them in the future. A key priority is ensuring that these opportunities are inclusive and accessible to all, encouraging both girls and boys to engage with STEM subjects.
The initiative will benefit the school’s current 214 pupils, while investment in durable, reusable equipment will ensure a lasting impact for future cohorts. By embedding STEM learning at primary level, the project also contributes to addressing wider skills gaps across the UK.
With the support of funding, this initiative will provide a sustainable and engaging STEM programme, equipping children with the confidence, curiosity and foundational skills to support their future learning and career aspirations.