INQUISITIVE pupils from a North East school were inspired on a visit to a celebration of science and technology.
A class of 30 students from Durham Academy, in Ushaw Moor, visited STEMFest Sunderland, held at the Beacon of Light, to explore the real-world impact of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Durham Academy’s STEM lead, Dr Mandeep Atwal, emphasized the importance of introducing these fields early. She said: “Fostering an interest in STEM is about more than just academic skills. It’s about helping students develop critical skills like problem-solving, resilience, and confidence.
“We believe the North East has a significant role to play in the future of science and technology, and we want Durham Academy to be a key player in producing the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The academy’s efforts were recently rewarded when its Year 9 pupils received the CREST Award by the British Science Association – an achievement that recognises outstanding scientific ability and curiosity in young people – for designing and building their own flying aeroplanes.
Other monthly STEM activities linked to the curriculum at the school – which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership – have included robotics workshops, drone racing, go-kart design, 3D printing, and coding.
“We want to not just prepare our students for the future,” Dr Atwal added, “but to inspire them as well.
“Through STEMFest and our regular activities, our pupils are becoming ambitious, knowledgeable young people who will be highly employable for industries seeking the innovators and visionaries of tomorrow."
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