A group of 60 Year 7 and 8 students from Flint High School were immersed in all things science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related during a day long fusion of innovation and education.
Held at the school, the event was run by The Smallpeice Trust in collaboration with Airbus.
Students start cutting out their aeroplanes using paper.
The Smallpeice Trust was founded in 1966 by Dr. Cosby D P Smallpeice, a talented engineer who invented the Smallpeice Lathe and invested his wealth into setting up a charity to give young people the support they need to bring their big ideas to life through STEM.
Under the guidance of mentors from Airbus and the expert facilitation of The Smallpeice Trust, the young minds became architects of their own learning. The day commenced with a challenge: design and construct three paper aeroplanes. This initial task, a catalyst for creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, set the tone for the day’s exploration.
Read more: Flintshire students win top prize in prestigious engineering competition
Feedback from the students has been very positive. Ava said: “I thought the STEM Airbus activities were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed building the aeroplane out of wood. It was good to develop our teamwork and engineering skills. I learnt a lot from the day.”
Another team make the final adjustments to their finished aeroplane.
Lacey added: “The STEM Airbus activities were fun and my favourite part was learning how to build an aeroplane with an engine. Even though we added some parts that were wrong, I learnt a lot from it.”
Hannah Nelson, curriculum leader of science, arranged for the school to host the event. She said: “Witnessing the students collaborate in teams and employing their ingenuity to craft paper aeroplanes was a testament to their determination and enthusiasm. As they meticulously designed, assembled, and evaluated their creations, a palpable energy filled the room.
Read more: Flintshire headteacher “delighted” with high school’s Estyn report
“However, the pinnacle of the day’s activities was the transition from paper to wood. The challenge evolved as students were tasked to materialise their designs in wood, bringing their ideas to life and putting them to the test. It was not merely about creating a physical structure but understanding the intricacies of aerodynamics and design principles and instilling a spirit of inquiry and igniting a passion for the possibilities that STEM subjects offer.
It’s time to put their aeroplanes to the test!
“Throughout the day, the students exhibited a remarkable standard of behaviour. Their commitment to the tasks, coupled with an eagerness to learn, resonated with the mentors and organisers.
“I am very proud of our students at Flint High, they embraced the challenges with not only determination but also a high level of maturity and cooperation. I look forward to seeing how the impact of this day will inspire even more learners to come and join our popular extra-curricular Science Squad Club.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to Thandie D’Rosenthal, acting KS3 coordinator for science, supported by Kelli Andrews, science technician, for their hard work to ensure the day ran wonderfully.”
