Private School News

Science Challenge 2010 at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Six schools from across Gloucestershire took part in the Engineering Development Trust’s ‘First Edition’ Science Challenge at the CLC Sports Centre on the morning of Thursday 13 May. First Edition is part of the Widening Participation programme which aims to encourage pupils who will be ‘first in family’, to consider higher education and courses and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Ro Kaye, Community Links Co-ordinator and Physics Teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’ College arranged the morning of activities in conjunction with Engineering Development Trust’s First Edition Days. 105 Year 7 students participated in a series of hands-on activities which encouraged aspiration, creativity and innovation. Boys and girls developed team building, problem solving and communication skills by working in teams of five or six. They undertook two challenges involving wind powered cars and rockets which developed their designing, building and experimenting skills. The pupils were also introduced to the wide choice of careers available to engineering graduates and discussed the different aspects of an Engineer’s job. At the end of the day everyone was presented with certificates.

Ro Kaye said, “This was a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls from a range of schools to work together to provide a fun hands-on programme where they gained insights into Science and Engineering. I am confident that events such as this really help them consider future careers in science and engineering. ”

Schools who attended: The Archway School, Cheltenham Bournside School and Sixth Form Centre, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Christ College, Cirencester Deer Park School and Winchcombe School

Photo: Back (l-r) Wesley Kaine and Cara Ainsley-Bridger, Cirencester Deer Park School. Middle (l-r) Chloe Burton-Tranter, Amy Rees and John Galpin, Winchcombe School. Front (l-r) Lucy Stephenson, Cirencester Deer Park School, Lily Stapleton, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Conor Towle, Winchcombe School