Celebrating the sixth-form industry strand

The two annual assessment and presentation days (APDs) this year were again very successful with the south Wales event having the largest number of sixth-form teams we have ever had. The north Wales event was held in Venue Cymru Llandudno and the south Wales event was in Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli. This was our first time at Parc y Scarlets. The two events are combined with our Big Bang Near Me programme and, in addition to the sixth-form teams displaying their solutions to engineering challenges set by companies, local schools are invited to visit. Both days comprised STEM work carried out by sixth-form teams, exhibitor displays and educational activities and shows.

In south Wales there were 76 sixth-form teams displaying their work and in north Wales, 25 teams. The total number of attendees in south Wales was 1,612 and in the north 982.

This event celebrates the sixth-form industry strand, but EESW offers five strands which are: n This strand is especially adapted to encourage female pupils to consider engineering pathways and to make technology easily accessible, interesting and relevant to them. It also enhances their understanding of STEM subjects. Groups of girls visit companies, colleges and universities to sample STEM related courses and careers. n F1 in Schools is a national project that engages pupils of all ages and abilities in designing model F1 cars. The activity involves the use of industry-standard, computeraided design (CAD) software. The design drawings are converted into actual models on Computer numerical control (CNC) machines, giving pupils a thorough understanding of modern digital manufacturing. n i2E develops young people's interests and skills in STEM through engagement with a range of practical engineering activities. The importance of science and maths in careers in engineering is emphasised and support materials are used to highlight the opportunities to apply knowledge from these subjects. n This strand links teams of sixth-form students or their equivalent in further education (FE)colleges to develop STEM skills through industry-linked practical projects. By working with professional engineers on real industry problems they will develop a better understanding of engineering as a career. The strand begins with setting up links between schools and companies between July and September, welcome days in October and company visits and schoolbased work (solving the problem) between October and March/April. Workshops are held just before Christmas so that projects can be developed with the assistance of college/ university staff and company engineers. The APDs are held just before Easter to display and assess final solutions. n This strand provides an opportunity for those in Year 12 to spend three residential days at university prior to making their Ucas application. The three days will consist of: n Sampling various strands of engineering; n Campus tours; n Experiencing university life, both academic and social.

The students will spend the days in laboratory/lecture situations. The evenings will involve a mixture of on and offsite social activities.