Royton and Crompton Academy students win robotics challenge!

The day was geared around problem solving and the students undertook a challenge in the morning where they had to create an obstacle course using tape, straws and bits of cardboard in order to create bridges, slopes and tunnels

Year 8 students from E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy took part in a brilliant robotics experience at the University of Manchester thanks to the Manchester United Foundation.

The experience was part of a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) trip being run by university lecturers and undergraduate students who are part of the Science and Engineering University Society. 

The day was geared around problem solving and the students undertook a challenge in the morning where they had to create an obstacle course using tape, straws and bits of cardboard in order to create bridges, slopes and tunnels. 

The students were then given the technology via an Ipad to continually pre-programme a robot which then moved around a course. 

In the afternoon the students learnt about what makes a building or structure strong and were given the intricate task of creating the overhead lines you would typically see on a train track from straws, tape and string. 

The Royton and Crompton students actually won a prize for being the best at the tasks they had to complete. 

The Manchester United Foundation uses football to engage and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and unite the communities in which they live. 

They have dedicated staff who deliver educational and community outreach programmes to help young people make positive choices in their lives. 

Royton and Crompton is one of 30 school partnerships at which a Foundation officer is based full-time to work with the students and build positive relationships with the community. 

E-ACT have recently released their latest Opening Minds Opening Doors Podcast which is all about women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) on which three inspiring women talk about their female role models, stereotypes around STEM jobs, how to be confident of your place in a male dominated industry, how things have changed in the last decade and why it’s important to encourage girls to consider a wide range of careers.

Andrea Atkinson, Headteacher at E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy, said: “I want to say a big thank you to the Manchester United Foundation and the University of Manchester for organising this STEM event. 

"It was a very aspirational day, in terms of allowing our students to get a taste of what it feels like to study at a top university and the sessions clearly piqued their interest in STEM subjects.”

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