Students at Lift Tendring are experiencing a significant boost in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) opportunities, thanks to the dedicated fundraising efforts of teaching staff.
The school, in Essex, has raised more than £8,000 through fundraising and generous donations to expand access to vital STEM education and real-world experiences.
The initiative has been led by Craig Pryer, Digital Learning Lead, ICT and DT Teacher, and Dave Cook, History Teacher and School Trips Lead.
Together, they have not only secured vital funds from partnerships but also organised a series of educational visits, offering students at the school invaluable STEM experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
Craig Pryer, Digital Learning Lead at TTC, said:
“The money we have raised and the excellent partnerships we have formed offer more than just financial backing - they open doors to work experience placements, STEM enrichment days, and potential scholarships, helping our students take confident steps toward their future careers.”
A highlight for students was a visit to the Williams F1 engineering centre, an experience so impactful that the team has been invited back for a second year, free of charge. This opportunity provided invaluable insight into the cutting-edge world of motorsport engineering.
Addressing the critical need for greater gender diversity in STEM subjects, a group of Year 8 girls enjoyed a complimentary day trip to the Sizewell nuclear power station. This initiative aimed to inspire young women to consider careers in historically male-dominated fields.
Further broadening horizons, students aged 11 to 14 embarked on an international adventure to the Euro Space Centre in Belgium. There, they gained firsthand experience in space exploration training and technologies.
Closer to home, students in Years 7 to 9 have enjoyed a variety of engaging activities, including visits to The Formula 1 Exhibition and the F1 Arcade, and Legoland's STEM programme, which included themes such as eco living, computer systems, and the fascinating science behind roller coasters.
Tom Burt, Principal at Lift Tendring, said:
"This has been an exceptional year for STEM at our school, and we are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished - thank you to both Craig Pryer and Dave Cook for raising funds to help our students.
With even more opportunities on the horizon, the future looks brighter than ever for our young people.”
Looking ahead, the school is keen to extend opportunities to students in Years 10 and 11 in the next academic year.
Following the success of recent visits, plans are underway for a 2026 trip to Bologna, where students will get an exclusive look inside engineering giants such as Ducati, Ferrari, and Pagani.
The funding raised by teachers came from Thorpe Festival Trust, Craig Pryer was awarded a monetary prize from The Jack Petchey Foundation Leader Award and further donations came from Pickering Electronics, Faraday Motion systems and RWE.
