This week, Year 9 students took part in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) activity day, delivered by the charity Smallpeice Trust and sponsored by National Grid.

Their task was to design and build a working model of a wind or hydroelectric power plant, and connect it up to a model house along with a solar panel. Team members took on roles such as finance manager, project manager, designer and marketing manager, then set about designing and constructing using a range of materials bought from a shop, while carefully budgeting their expenditure.

The teams pitched their designs to the judges, to convince them to invest in their project. Finally, the designs were tested with a torch, hairdryer and jug of water!

Pupils displayed impressive teamwork and creativity, and learnt a lot about the design process and what it takes to be an engineer. 

Congratulations to the winning team for their wind turbine system, which was both robust and aesthetically attractive:

• Zainab H
• Jessica A
• Jasmine K
• Mysha W
• Antrix P
• Ekam O