Allerthorpe Special Educational Needs School has launched an exciting weekly STEM initiative for learners aged 9–16, taking part in the FIRST® LEGO® League in collaboration with York University every Wednesday afternoon until March.
The programme introduces learners to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through fun, hands-on learning. This year’s theme, Unearthed, encourages learners to explore real-world challenges while building and programming LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime robots to complete missions in a friendly, competitive environment.
Learners will also engage in a research project, identifying and solving a relevant real-world problem. Teams will work together one afternoon a week at school to develop their robot and research project, culminating in a presentation of their challenge to the judges in York in March. The programme fosters problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, coding skills, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive setting.
Sarah Grove, Principal of Allerthorpe Special Educational Needs School, said:
“Participating in the FIRST® LEGO® League gives our learners a fantastic opportunity to develop STEM skills in a fun and meaningful way. Working together on the robot challenges and research projects each week with a STEM Ambassador from York University, who will provide some of the expertise and technological skills the learners will need before presenting to judges in York. This motivational STEM project helps build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. We’re excited to see their creativity and curiosity flourish through this programme.”
The school looks forward to showcasing the learners’ achievements at the LEGO® League tournament in York, supported by sponsor ETAS, and celebrating their hard work, innovation, and collaborative spirit.