FUTURE engineers enjoyed a series of special workshops at Wey Valley School.

Year Eight pupils at Wey Valley took part in an engineering activity day, including X Factor and Robot Wars themed workshops, aimed at challenging their ideas of engineering.

The science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) day was organised by Mary Critchell, who manages the 14 to 19-year-olds at the school.

The day started with an interactive show ‘Engineering around the World’ delivered by Science Made Simple presenter Zoe Gamble. Ms Critchell said: “It was brilliantly designed to appeal to 12 and 13-year-olds, and was totally engaging, with carefully-crafted demonstrations that cleverly communicated key engineering concepts. We were so pleased with the response of our Year Eights to the ideas and challenges presented.

“They responded with some excellent innovative design ideas of their own.

“The day really seems to have raised their aspirations, which is exactly what we were hoping for.”

Students also took part in a design challenge and a series of workshops delivered by the ‘Learn by Design’ team on behalf of Tomorrow’s Engineers, an initiative led by Engineering UK and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The workshops helped students develop key skills of decision-making, team-work, communication, presentation skills and creative ideas.

Year Eight pupil Sophie Suter said: “The assembly was really informative about engineering in the workplace and the robot activities were great fun.”

Pupil Lucy Turnbull said: “There were quizzes throughout the day to test your understanding and the activities we did really brought engineering to life.”

Paul Norman, vice principal of Wey Valley, said: “Our students are telling us they feel they now know more about engineering than before, and that the day’s events have motivated them to consider engineering as a career. “They valued the opportunity to work with visiting STEM ambassadors and thought the workshops were great. We hope we’ve inspired at least some of them to join the all-important next generation of engineers.”