STEM-sational!

Continuing our drive towards official status as a STEM Centre of Excellence, our students have benefitted from a multitude of opportunities this term whether through Club STEAM or trips to enhance their classroom learning.

From learning all about the pharmaceutical industry with Pfizer’s ‘Science in a Box’ event, to seeing how carbon fibre is made for Formula One, to picking the brains of new product designers and visiting the V&A for a prototyping workshop, Leighton Park students have had an eclectic range of incredible experiences to develop their potential and build upon their interest in a variety of STEM disciplines.

“I really enjoyed the Pfizer event in the Houses of Parliament as there were many different stations with board games and fun activities to explain the different roles within the pharmaceutical industry.” commented Aki (Year 8).

“My favourite game was like ‘Frustration’ but there were also cards with successes and setbacks that could happen in the development of your drug. The end of the game was tricky as you had to throw exactly the right number to get your drug to the market or you got sent back to the beginning of the board. This was interesting because we were told that is actually what happens in pharmaceuticals, which must be so frustrating when people need that medicine. The MPs we met were just like normal people, which I wasn’t expecting and we also saw Teresa May going into a Brexit meeting; It was a really interesting trip.” summarised Harriet  (Year 8).

Product Design A Level students got the chance to learn about manufacturing methods first hand as they visited Brick Kiln Composites, a specialist in the production of carbon fibre components, particularly for Formula One.

“The factory tour was amazing to see such high-quality parts being produced for use in a ground-breaking sport, and good to learn how materials can be combined to have superior properties.” commented Marcus (Upper Sixth).

“The trip gave me a unique insight into both working with composites and F1 manufacturing.” added Will (Lower Sixth).

On a trip to the Victoria and Albert Museum, Year 11 students guessed their way through the purpose, ownership and materials used in a number of unusual Victorian objects then headed for the Japanese galleries for a spot of technical drawing. Back in the workshop they spent the afternoon developing creative ideas through a series of iterative designs!

A Level students built upon their design ideas after visiting the 100% Design Exhibition at the Olympia Exhibition Centre. “The trip gave me an insight into modern and upcoming design which I don’t think I could have got from anywhere else. I would definitely go again and would encourage others to go too!” commented Matthew (Upper Sixth).

“It was a really good experience to talk to some of the people at 100% Design and to see how designs can evolve and change with the introduction of new technologies and consumer needs.” explained Frederik (Upper Sixth).