Fyling Hall School near Whitby hosts all-day STEM challenge for area's students

Teams of year six pupils from different schools in the Whitby and Scarborough area spent the day at Fyling Hall School putting their science, technology, maths and engineering skills to the test.

Teams of four competed in a number of challenges throughout the day.

Fyling Hall’s aim in hosting this event was to build a love of STEM, develop team-work, and give pupils hands-on experience in the science and computer science labs.

The competition brought schools together and Fylingdales C of E Primary School were awarded the prize for their fantastic work.

Activities included:

Computer Science – cryptography and attempting to land a lunar module

Physics and Chemistry - designing, building and testing a parachute to protect an egg launched from a height

Biology - investigating natural selection, being a bird picking the best insects and meeting Fyling Hall’s pet stick insects during the break

Engineering – building a tower, but only from potatoes, and a-foil boat to carry the most mass possible.

Pupil Zara Billson-Hodges said: “It was one of the best days of my life because I love Science and Maths.”

Specialist senior school science teachers worked with the primary pupils.

Each group was expertly supported by Fyling Hall’s STEM Ambassadors, years 12 and 13 A-level students, who shared their love of STEM subjects with the younger children.

Fyling Hall provided the winning team with four portable hand-held microscopes for use in the class and outside, a Molymod chemistry kit to build different chemicals and understand how they are bonded together and a physics kit containing mini-physics experiments.

All participants enjoyed themselves immensely, were challenged, learnt some new skills and showed amazing teamwork.

Fyling Hall’s science department is currently working on the Eco-Schools Initiative to become a Green Flag school and has developed an eco garden and outdoor classroom.

The whole school open day takes place at 10am on November 2, the Intro to Sixth Form on November 7, or the Early Years Stay and Play on November 10.

Contact [email protected] for details.