Primary School Challenge

Title of Case Study

Key Stage

Year 6 (KS3)

Subject

STEM

Need Identified

Linking to local primary schools to engage KS3 students in STEM subjects by offering a competitive Stretch and Challenge event
Including subjects not normally experienced by students this age (such as Engineering)
Improved long-term recruitment into STEM subjects

Case Study

Up to 10 primary schools are invited to the centre every year in the summer term
Teams of 4 Year 6 students compete throughout the day in 4 challenges – Applied Science (Forensics murder mystery), Engineering (building aerodynamic racing cars), Maths and Physics task (building safe parachutes)
The overall winning school is presented with an engraved trophy, which is returned for next year's challenge

Worth Mentioning

Extremely positive feedback from primary schools:

'I felt the day was organised really well. The activities appropriate and targeted to the children's age. Good direction and support given from the older students and teachers were necessary. Our children were buzzing, which was great to see.' Sprites Primary
'The activities were at the right level to be challenging but still achievable. It was good to have Suffolk One students working with the pupils, not just tutors.' Henley Primary
'The day was superbly organised and included a range of fun and interesting activities for the children.' The Oaks Primary 'The children were buzzing when they got back to school!' Halifax Primary

Impact

Increased engagement of primary school students with STEM subjects, promoting science, maths and engineering
Potentially improved recruitment into these subjects in the future

Resources Required

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