STEM Event for Year 9

Careers education and opportunities are woven through the entire school journey for Ashcombe students and one of the most timely and exciting is the annual Year 9 STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] ‘speed-dating’ event where the whole year group has the opportunity to meet with over 40 STEM professionals from a wide range of organisations, roles and industries and ask the important questions.

On Friday 22nd March 2024, Ranmore Hall was filled with knowledgeable STEM volunteers and the whole Year 9 cohort of 240 students, exchanging information, ideas and questions about STEM careers.

With a fixed time with each visitor, students soon learn to be focused in their questions and listen carefully to the answers and, as they get the chance to move round the hall, encounter jobs and concepts they may not ever have thought of.  The enthusiasm and interest of the volunteers was marked – and feedback from the attendees showed what a difference opportunities like this can make to students.

A huge thank you to the individuals from local and national companies who gave up their time to attend – many of them also support other events, such as the annual Careers and Apprenticeship Fairs. And it was really good to welcome back those who are also Ashcombe alumni.

“they [the visitor] were super impressed … said the kids were great.- sounds like a success”

“Thank you for the STEM stuff this morning … it was so interesting” - student