Pupils take on '˜Dragon's Den' style challenge

It wasn't child's play for primary schools across Burnley and Pendle who created an educational toy in the first UTC Lancashire STEM competition.
STEM event at UTC St Joseph's (s)STEM event at UTC St Joseph's (s)
STEM event at UTC St Joseph's (s)

Eleven teams of Year Five pupils entered the competition, in science, technology, engineering and maths, to design and present their ideas for a new educational toy.

The event was hosted by UTC Lancashire and Colne’s JD Engineering and the pupils enjoyed a product design workshop and ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch, developing their skills in learning, communication, creativity, problem solving and team work.

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The first in a two-part competition saw Worsthorne Primary School take the gold trophy, St Peter’s Primary School in Burnley finish runners-up and St Joseph’s Primary School in Barnoldswick collect the bronze award.

STEM event at UTC St peters (s)STEM event at UTC St peters (s)
STEM event at UTC St peters (s)

They will join the winners of a second heat at a special event in March where the overall STEM champions will be crowned.

UTC Lancashire Principal Jacquie Petriaho said: “Developing skills in STEM subjects is vitally important, particularly given the demand for them in industry.

“We feel it’s important to instil a passion for these subjects early on and exciting competitions such as this are an excellent way to do that.”

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Tom Prescott, teacher and science co-ordinator at Ightenhill Primary School, said: “The children learned and gained a lot from the day. The experience was exceptional and we certainly hope there will be another one in the future.”

To find out how UTC Lancashire can support STEM activities in your school or youth group, email [email protected].