Primary School learns about steel from Sheffield Forgemasters

One of our Directors has visited year-three pupils at Hillsborough Primary school to talk about why steel was prevalent in Sheffield, how it is made and how steelmaking has shaped the city, as part of a geography project.

The visit was made as part of Sheffield Forgemasters’ approach to Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, which sees regular engagement with children and school-leavers to illustrate the highly skilled careers that STEM learning can offer.

Operations Director, Ryan Edmonds, said: “Visiting the children at Hillsborough Primary School was a real treat for me, and the interest shown by the pupils in the city’s steel history and its future is really encouraging.

“As we celebrate 250-years of history, it is crucial that we reach out to the next generation of innovators, and the children at Hillsborough Primary School were incredibly bright and inquisitive to learn more.”

The schoolchildren saw how Sheffield Forgemasters emerged from the innovation of George Naylor, who in 1776 built a crucible steel furnace at Attercliffe, making a diversion from cutlery manufacture to pursue steelmaking. 

They also learned about the many famous names which make up Sheffield Forgemasters’ heritage, how the Women of Steel took over wartime steel production, and how the environmental effects of industry over time are being improved through steelmaking efficiencies and the recycling of steel.

Year 3 Teacher, Jessica Harvey, at Hillsborough Primary School, said: “It was a real bonus to hear from Ryan about how Sheffield was shaped through the steel industry, his presentation really brought the topic to life for our year threes and created a new tranche of budding steelworkers!

Photo caption: Ryan Edmonds with Jessica Harvey, from Hillsborough Primary School, pose with Year 3 pupils (left/right): Toby Agus, Ellie Adams, Reegan Booth, Esme Adams, Abel, Bodhi and Finley Aiken