Last week, Year 9 pupils took part in an exciting Marine Technology Challenge run by the Smallpeice Trust. The aim of the project was to bring real-world applications of STEM subjects to life through a fun, hands-on experience.
All pupils worked collaboratively in groups to design, build, and pitch a powered vessel using materials purchased from a simulated ‘shop’. To mirror real-world engineering projects, each pupil took on a specific role within their team: Project Manager, Finance Manager, Designer, Electronic Engineer, Hydrodynamics Specialist, and Marketing Executive.
Each team faced the challenge of applying knowledge from across the curriculum, particularly Design Technology and Physics, to create boats that were fast, well-balanced, and able to travel in a straight line across water. Concepts such as density, buoyancy, and electricity played a key role in their designs.
The day concluded with each group aiming to sell their vessel through a pitch, introducing their team name and slogan, and highlighting unique selling points such as sustainability. This final stage required pupils to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.
The atmosphere was buzzing with creativity and problem-solving as pupils tested ideas, adapted designs, and worked together to overcome challenges. By the end of the day, the water trials showcased some impressive vessels and innovative thinking!
