Centre of Excellence for STEM in the UAE

Background

The YAS in Schools Experience Centre, located in the iconic North Grandstand of YAS Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, serves as a dynamic hub for STEM education in the UAE. 

With stunning views of the track, the centre combines the thrill of motorsport with hands-on learning opportunities to inspire students, teachers, and visitors from around the world. 

A core feature of the centre’s programming is the F1 in Schools initiative, which brings STEM concepts to life through design, manufacturing, and racing activities.

Denford Equipment at the Centre

The Experience Centre is equipped with advanced Denford machinery, including:

• F1 in Schools Routers: 2600 Pro, Compact 1000, and MCR100
• A permanent STEM Racing Track System
• An Air Trace Visualisation System

These tools are specifically designed for educational purposes and provide the perfect platform for teaching CNC machining.

Why Denford?

James Peacock, YAS in Schools Assistant Manager, comments: “Denford was chosen for the YAS in Schools Experience Centre due to its focus on education and its links with, and seamless integration into, the F1 in Schools program. The machines are user-friendly, highly reliable, and purpose-built for manufacturing F1 in Schools cars”. 

As the official Denford reseller in the region, the centre also uses these machines for demonstrations and training, ensuring consistency and accessibility for schools across the UAE.

The Impact on Students

The Denford machines enable students to experience the full manufacturing process, turning their designs into reality. This hands-on learning promotes a deep understanding of CNC machining with students and encourages "design for manufacture" principles in their work.

James adds: “Students visiting the centre often experience “light bulb moments” as they watch their designs come to life. This connection between theory and application not only boosts their understanding of STEM concepts but also inspires them to pursue careers in exciting fields like motorsport, engineering, and technology”.

Scale and Reach

Since its opening in 2023, the YAS in Schools Experience Centre has welcomed over 14,000 visitors, including students and teachers from across the UAE and international guests as part of YAS Marina Circuit tours.

The centre is particularly active during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, offering visitors a unique blend of racing and STEM activities.

Advancing STEM Education

The YAS in Schools Experience Centre highlights the importance of STEM. Through workshops, teacher training, and collaborative activities, the centre demonstrates the natural integration of STEM into a range of career paths. 

STEM education at the centre promotes cross-curricular learning, connecting various disciplines in meaningful ways. By showcasing how STEM careers can shape the future, the Experience Centre inspires visitors to view STEM as an accessible and valuable path.

Conclusion

The YAS in Schools Experience Centre, supported by Denford’s machinery, demonstrates how immersive, hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of innovators. 

By integrating STEM concepts with the excitement of motorsport, the centre has become a beacon of education, innovation, and aspiration in the region. Every visitor, whether a student, teacher, or tourist, leaves inspired by the possibilities STEM education can unlock.