Conference focuses on science and technology

Thornton Grammar School, near Bradford, is hosting the event for schools across the district to highlight ways of teaching and learning “STEM” subjects.

Lydia Showan, of the National STEM Centre in York, is the main speaker at the event.

Pupils from three Bradford schools: Thornton Grammar, Appleton Academy and Grange Technology College will also present examples of their work.

Thornton pupils, aged 13 and 14, will be showcasing how they became the regional Robot Wars champions in 2010 in a contest based on the TV show.  

Their vehicle was developed at an after school science and engineering club.

The Grange students will explain how they helped develop the curriculum at their school to focus on science, technology, engineering and maths. 

Liz Dawson, Thornton Grammar’s deputy head teacher, said: “In the current economic climate it is even more important than ever for us to promote high skill careers in the STEM areas.

“The students have produced high-quality products while enjoying the activities they are engaged in and develop the important skills needed to successfully work as part of a highly effective team.” 

She added: “Linking opportunities for future careers with option choices for key stage four courses should ensure that students see the value of the courses they choose to study and engage fully with the opportunities available to them.”

The conference tomorrow is being supported by Victoria Weaver, a science teaching and learning consultant at Education Bradford, the private firm brought in to raise standards in the district schools over a 10-year period.