A team of KS4 students at Newbridge learning community recently participated in the Proto GP (Blair project), with amazing success. They were given a unique and ground breaking opportunity to participate in this highly engaging, motivating and cutting edge STEM initiative.
As a result they were the first in the UK to pilot designing, making and trialling a Go-Kart using 3D printing techniques. They also had the opportunity to showcase their work at The Science Museum in Manchester on 6th July as part of the Great Science Share.
The impact on their self-esteem, confidence and perseverance to complete tasks has been extremely positive. It has without doubt broadened their horizons in terms of future career prospects that they previously would not have considered possible.
Several of the team are continuing to increase their knowledge and skill level by participating in an extension of the original project as extra-curricular activity. They are also ambassadors to younger students in the school who have been motivated to become involved by witnessing the success of the team.
I cannot speak more highly of the Project and the team who run it and have no hesitation in recommending it as a brilliant scheme in reaching young people who may not have had the privileges that are afforded to others.
Thank you so much Marilyn, Nile and Blair.
May the partnership between yourselves and the school continue to thrive for years to come.
Elaine Kucharski
Head teacher
Newbridge Learning Community