Nurturing the STEM stars of tomorrow

This year, 31 students from 14 schools across Coventry and the West Midlands took part, eager to experience the world of STEM. Over the course of the week, students were introduced to a range of engineering pathways, careers and research; got a taste of what university life is like; and benefitted from the mentorship and expertise of WMG’s engineers and student ambassadors.

Central to the programme were the students’ projects. Students were split into groups to work on exciting examples of sustainable technology, providing valuable hands-on experience and insight into what the field of STEM has to offer.

As well as a fantastic opportunity to see engineering in action, the projects helped the students build essential skills for their future and gain confidence in their abilities – providing the foundations for a successful future in STEM.

Each project focused on a specific aspect of engineering and WMG research, from agritech to renewable energy. Amongst them were tote bags designed using the code-based embroidery program, Turtle Stitch; robots that helped improve crop yields through targeted pesticide application; model turbine propellers; and a Lego vehicle designed to pull objects ten times its weight.

Lisa, a student from Blue Coat Church of England School, commented: “I’ve really enjoyed this week because I was a project manager, and it made me think about my career choices and about being in a managerial role. I am now starting to consider doing STEM subjects at A-Level.”

The week’s impact on helping Year 10s find their future career path was echoed by Dawid, a student from Cardinal Newman Catholic School: “The week was good, especially the visit to the National Automotive Innovation Centre, as it’s helped me find my ideal career in engineering. I think I’m ready to start my career in five years".

Asna from Ernesford Grange Community Academy also spoke about how the week had benefitted her: “I’ve especially enjoyed the week as I got to work with really big, complicated equipment, like the embroidery machine. I also got to have a go at coding, which I was intimidated by before, but it’s actually really simple.”

The Year 10s’ time at WMG culminated in a joint celebration with students and staff from the arts-based stream of the work experience programme that runs on campus at the same time. The event was an opportunity for both engineering and arts students to present their projects to their families, teachers, and University staff, and recognise their achievements.

Miss Eggison, Head of Year 10 at Cardinal Newman in Coventry, said: “The feedback [the children] have given me has been really fantastic. They’ve shown me how much they've grown in their communication skills, experience, and knowledge of what they want to do when they leave school.

“Just from speaking to some of the students, I can see how much their confidence has grown; the difference I’ve seen in them in a week has been fantastic. I think it’s a really valuable thing they’ve taken part in. Hopefully, the knowledge and skills they’ve picked up [at WMG] will last with them forever”.

One parent also commented on how transformative the week had been: “The experience has made a remarkable difference [to my son], not just in his academic progress, but in his confidence and self-belief.

“When he started the week, he was struggling not only with anxiety but also with believing in himself. Now, we see a different young man, one who approaches challenges with a sense of determination, pride, and self-assurance.”

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Warwick, was also in attendance to see the students’ inspirational work – a true showcase of what young people can achieve when given the opportunity to thrive.