High flying students make waves with Anglian Water and the RAF

Ely College students interested in science careers got to test the water during a special day with industry leaders.

Year nine students got a special visit from Anglian Water on January 31 as part of a nationwide Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme.

Pupils worked in small teams to design, build and test their own ideas in a series of tasks, including a water supply challenge and Lego build time trial.

In a separate STEM day held across all year groups in October, the college was visited by the RAF Youth Engagement Team.
The day was spent building towers, investigating kinetic speed cars, exploring the world of robotics and learning basic coding.
Inspired by their centenary anniversary, the RAF workshops also offered historical context to their innovative advancements in technology to inspire students to pursue a career in the service.
The school’s science curriculum leader Sam Craven said Ely College was committed to ensuring students were prepared for the world of work and understood the range of careers available to them, as well as the skills and qualifications required.
“We work with organisations like Anglian Water and the RAF Youth Engagement Team to connect with industry and provide our young people with opportunities that enable them to apply theory into practical experiences, helping them to understand that working hard during education can lead to a rewarding career further down the line.”

The college aims to develop the next generation of digital leaders who can continue to innovate technology, using maths, science, engineering and creative skills.
Principal Richard Spencer said: “Through the experiences, projects and placements that take place in STEM programmes, our pupils can put their creative thinking into action and learn vital skills such as time management, team work and problem solving.
“By collaborating with partners and agencies, our students are learning more about local employers and national industry. We would like to say thank you to Anglian Water and the RAF Youth Engagement Team for visiting Ely College and giving our students a taste of working in these industries.”