STEM

We deliver a popular, individually tailored STEM workshop program for local primary schools, with the opportunity for visiting and working within our facilities here at the College.  We have a loan system of equipment for primaries to enhance delivery of their science curriculum, with specialized guidance for teachers.  We also provide a robust KS2 to KS3 transition program accessed by all our partner primaries in the Summer Term. There is a focus upon key skills and preparation for practical work in Secondary.

The Youth STEM Award is an exciting program that is supporting and inspiring the next generation into STEM careers. It enables students to work towards bronze, silver or gold awards, whilst producing a portfolio of work as evidence of interests and dedication to personal growth.  It is excellent to showcase personal attributes for STEM subjects for job and university applications.

We have participated in this annual town wide programme for 5 years by sending our brightest and keenest possible future engineers to sharpen their skills on a programme of exciting weekend sessions ran by The Royal Institution.  Locally, these are delivered by esteemed leaders in the field such as EDF, Hart Biologicals and representatives from The Royal Navy. Examples of the sessions featured have included an energy car challenge, mechanical gearing, electronics of prosthetics, blood clotting, bridge building and electronic circuits. For further information please see Ms Gillespie.

The STEM Ambassador role attracts students who have a keen interest in one or more of the STEM subjects.  Students are given priority for any trips, visits or industrial mentors and are expected to help STEM faculties in hosting events such as open evenings, workshops and primary days.

The STEM ambassadors often work on the Youth STEM Award alongside, which is great for gaining employability skills such as communication and leadership as well as building on STEM cultural capital experiences.

An exciting programme aimed at all Key Stage 3 students who may have or wish to develop an interest in the world of AI and Robotics. Led by the Technology and Enterprise Faculty, students learn how to assemble and programme VEX Robots with an aim for their creations to compete in an arena.  As a college we have had several successes in both local and national competitions and wish to continue this with our ever growing club. For more information please contact Mr Turner.

This college is very proud to have been the host of four annual STEM Lectures attended by average audiences of 1000 people from across the Tess Valley and beyond.

Speakers so far have been:

Helen Sharman CMG OBE HonFRSC – British Chemist who became the first British cosmonaut and the first woman to visit the MIR Space Station in May 1991.

Professor Robert Winston FMedSci FRSA FRCP FRCOG FREng – British Professor, Medical Doctor, Scientist, Television Presenter and Labour Party Politician.

Marcus Du Sautoy OBE FRS – British Mathematician, Author, and Populariser of Science and Mathematics

Dave Coplin – Chief Envisioning Officer for Microsoft UK and an established thought leader in the UK.