On Friday 11 May 2018, we hosted a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) challenge to which we welcomed five Year 8 teams from visiting schools, as well as fielding our own team. Delivered by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), the day turned out to be a whirlwind of activity and competition.
The pupils were tasked with designing and building a model of an attraction for Thorpe Park theme park, and then presenting their idea to a panel of engineers. As part of the challenge pupils learnt about electronics and budgeting. The Maynard team of Katie Harries, Grace Roddy, Eleanor Cumbley, Hansini Kammila, Daisy Hoban and Natalie Charity demonstrated excellent teamwork, originality and communication skills. Perhaps we might see their idea, a café with a glass roof and a zip wire above, at Thorpe Park one day?
In addition to the challenge, local engineers Amelie Monnet and Lidia Jaworska, who work for Arconic, delivered a thought-provoking and inspirational presentation on careers in Engineering and were on hand to give careers guidance throughout the day.
This event forms part of our ongoing commitment to promoting STEM subjects at The Maynard, and, with over 25% of our 2017 Sixth Form leavers being accepted onto STEM based university courses, students at The Maynard are bucking the national trend of underrepresentation of women in Science and Technology.
