Hundreds of schoolchildren celebrate STEM showcase

Hundreds of schoolchildren celebrated British Science Week with a showcase of robotics, lab work and enthralling experiments.

Hosted at The University of Essex's Colchester Campus the STEM-tacular festival saw world-leading researchers inspire youngsters to pursue a career in science.  

The Year 9 pupils from Colchester, Basildon, and Brightlingsea all enjoyed a packed day of exhibitions, talks and quizzes. 

They also got to see the robotics arena, the inside of a cutting-edge lab and learnt how the brain develops and changes as babies learn to speak. 

Vicki Elliott, science teacher and STEM co-ordinator, at Colne Community College, Brightlingsea, said: “It was an amazing day for the children and they learnt so much on British Science Week.  
 
“These events are great as it shows our students there are so many amazing Stem careers out there.” 

As well as Colne the event was attended by Thomas Lord Audley School, Colchester, The James Hornsby School, Basildon, De La Salle School, Basildon and Burnt Mill Academy, Harlow. 

It was organised by Essex’s Outreach team which aims to inspire students and adults to fulfil their potential and study at university. 

The celebration coincided with British Science Week, which is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths that takes place between 8 - 17 March. 

Delighted

 Joseph Raynor, Senior Outreach Officer, said: “The Outreach team was delighted to welcome over 200 Year 9 students to join us at our Colchester campus to celebrate education and career pathways in STEM.  
 
“Throughout the packed STEM day, students took part in workshops with STEM academics, met inspirational Essex students studying STEM and experienced the fantastic facilities we offer here at Essex.  
 
“We’re proud to deliver projects, like STEM-tacular, in collaboration with our partner schools to provide access to university for young people from a range of backgrounds.” 

The Outreach teamwork with schools and colleges across Essex, Suffolk and East London to promote fair access and progression to university. 
  
Activities delivered by the team include campus visits, taster workshops, assemblies, mentoring, revision roadshows and professional development for teachers.