Rotary arrive to help STEM the gap!!
On Tuesday 3rd October Chalfonts again hosted the South Buckinghamshire Rotary Design Challenge.
Students from Chalfonts, The Beaconsfield School and Beaconsfield High School worked in teams of four to ‘Design and Build’ a ‘Pipeline Vehicle’ to a set specification. The students were grouped in their respective age groups aligned to their key stage; foundation, intermediate and advanced.
The day was very intensive with students having to produce a portfolio of design ideas; then making the vehicle from card and light modelling materials including an electric motor before having it tested in a ‘pipeline’ clearing bits of rubble.
The Rotary judges and stewards ensured fair play and scrutinised the finished entries. Some of the judges were STEM Ambassadors that volunteer to help at a range of events that the college offers to boost interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. These are the subjects which lead to careers where the country is very short of qualified staff.
At the end of the day the Beaconsfield School walked away with a prize in the foundation (KS3), Beaconsfield High took the intermediate prize (KS4) and Chalfonts’ students claimed the prize in the advanced section (6th Form). We are still trying to find the teachers entry!
Chalfonts is looking forward to more STEM challenges this year. Do encourage your children to get involved.
James Giles-STEM Lead