Recently a small group of U4 and L5 pupils attended a STEM challenge day at The Hewett Academy. 

Working in teams of four, they collaborated with students from other schools to tackle a variety of challenges. The day concluded with a Q&A session involving A-Level and University students. Throughout the event, the pupils engaged in several tasks, including utilising the Police's E-FIT technology to create a computer-generated image of a thief based on a simulated crime they witnessed. They also took part in a Robotics challenge, programming a Lego Mindstorm robot equipped with ultrasonic and infrared sensors to navigate an obstacle course. Another challenge involved designing and constructing a basic battery-powered vehicle from kit pieces, which they then raced on a track. Additionally, they faced a medical diagnostics challenge, assuming the role of doctors and using samples, x-rays, and brain scans to diagnose conditions affecting simulated patients.

The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in STEM-related careers and had the chance to learn from students about the paths to pursue these options.