Students harness wind power

Thomas Telford School students put their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills to the test in a one-day challenge set by educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust. Working in small groups, the event was designed to enhance students’ aptitude for problem solving, creativity, design and engineering and was especially geared to complement the National Curriculum.

The 50 Year 9 pupils worked on a project called the Wind Turbine Challenge where they had to design and construct a wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of electricity. The turbine had to be free-standing and structurally robust to support heavy components and moving parts. The project not only had time constraints, but also budgetary and aesthetical requirements.

Education Officer for The Smallpeice Trust, Dylan Cozens said, “It was wonderful to see just how much students got from taking part as they developed their lateral thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the day students utilised their skills in Science, Techology, Engineering and Mathematics to tackle the task in hand. We hope these students will now be inspired to consider engineering when deciding future study options.”

The School’s Head of Design and Technology, Justine Owen said “It has encouraged our pupils to link the classroom elements of science, design and technology to what happens in engineering in the real world.”

The STEM Day was sponsored by the Mercers’ Company which seeks to improve the availability and quality of educational opportunities for children and young adults, especially in London and in particular areas of the West Midlands - Walsall, Sandwell and Telford and Wrekin. The STEM Day was run by the independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust as part of an ongoing programme of courses designed to help young people learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing.