STEMFest 2025 welcomed its largest cohort of students since the event began, with over 800 year five and six students from primary schools across the Isle of Man engaging in real-world applications of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.
Held over two days at the Villa Marina last week, this annual educational initiative transforms classroom learning into immersive, practical experiences designed by local businesses to ignite interest in STEM careers.
The event saw 25 local companies and organisations host interactive exhibits and hands-on activities in three key zones dedicated to Engineering & Construction, Science, and Technology & Maths, demonstrating the application of STEM principles in various industries.
From building bridges, recording their own TV shows, grading scallop shells, learning maths concepts through games and building boats and ejection seats, to understanding how fibre optic cables let them play their video games, there was something to engage each and every curious mind. The Department for Enterprise has prepared a highlights video of the event for parents and carers that can be viewed here.
Steve Pickett, Chair of Business Isle of Man commented: “STEM subjects can sometimes feel confined to textbooks and theories, but STEMFest brings these subjects to life, and that’s what makes it a standout event in the academic calendar.
“Every year, I am truly impressed by the calibre of activities and immensely grateful to the participating local businesses and organisations for giving their time and resources to create such an engaging array of activities for the students.”
Chris Pearson, Group Business Development Director at MMD GPHC Ltd, who sponsored and exhibited at STEMFest 2025, said: “The students, as always, were the stars of the show! They were attentive, interactive, and polite throughout the day.
“I hope we managed to bridge the gap between education and real-world skills, make STEM careers exciting and relatable, and that some of the students will have gone home to their parents excited at the prospect of starting a career in a STEM subject!”
Mrs Anna Jackson, Executive Head Teacher for Marown Primary School and Peel Clothworkers’ School commented: “I think it is incredibly important that our children get the opportunity to come and explore how the skills they are learning throughout their school life can be deployed into different career paths.”
Main picture: Primary school students from Year 5 and Year 6 attend STEMFest 2025 at the Villa Marina.
