Bright sparks show their STEM skills

The innovative minds of West Midlands’ schoolchildren were on show for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Challenge in association with the Midlands News Association. 

Three of our staff mentored two of the 21 schools tasked to design innovative solutions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged people.

Sir John Talbot’s School with their winning idea, the Overlay Pen.

Shrewsbury Underground and Plant Team Manager Edith Kanyoka and Telford Planner Andrew Pashley provided mentor support for Sir John Talbot’s School Whitchurch in Shropshire, which won best presentation for their Overlay Pen, a pen with an in-built coloured screen designed to help people with learning difficulties read text easier.

Tipton South West Neil Edwards mentored The Sandwell Academy in West Bromwich, which invented a Puzzle Cast to help people with anxiety when they suffer an injury.

As part of the role of mentors, each received STEM training to become STEM Ambassadors; encouraging young people to consider study and careers in STEM subjects and STEM-related careers.

Edith said of the experience: “The challenge was good and it was interesting to see the kids’ different ideas. Being a STEM Ambassador is a great way to make young people aware of career opportunities at WPD and I intend to continue working as an Ambassador.”