The Mid Sussex STEM Challenge returned on Friday 16th September in the MSDC Council Chamber and we were delighted to be included alongside other senior schools and colleges throughout Mid Sussex. The Challenge is designed to bring together the most talented of our technical students to research, develop and build, an artificially intelligent vehicle, that will be remotely controlled as it manoeuvres through a large and complicated course. Each School’s student team was charged with designing and assembling a vehicle to a required specification that meets the challenge of a predetermined obstacle course, whilst navigating the vehicle remotely. This involved AI, camera attachment, motorised chassis and other design considerations to ensure the vehicle could endure the rigours of the course

All types of engineering and medical companies came together to ensure that students understand just what a diverse and successful career lies ahead by continuing with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects.  These skills are paramount to the economy of our area, where research has shown that engineering accounts for 34% of turnover. Each of the companies involved will provide a STEM Ambassador to work with every school as well as take our students into the workplace to show the excitement of the ‘real world’ and to put their STEM learning in context.  Not only that but, with the help of Nuffield Health, the students will prepare a Marketing and Business Management Plan too.

Companies involved include Flowserve, PSM Marine Engineering, Adelphi, Nuffield Hospital, Bike Smart, Edwards Vacuum, Quantum Technoloies and Balfour Beatty  -  all are as keen as the students themselves.