An automated shovel and an energy-generating football were just two of the innovative designs put forward when students at a WNAT school took part in a national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) competition.

The Primary Engineer ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ Leaders Award tasked entrants with conducting interviews and research, before coming up with their own engineered solution to a chosen problem.

Aspiring engineers at Springwood High School in King’s Lynn rose to the challenge, and were supported by Science Teachers Isabel Colley and Iain Moffat.

“Twenty-six pupils from Year 7 and 8 STEM Club submitted an entry for the competition,” said Miss Colley.

 “Pupils planned and designed their own solution to a real-life engineering problem of their choice. Designs included a football that can generate power through kicks, 3D printing organs, and an automated shovel for gardening.”

The group also worked collaboratively with the school’s Design Technology and English Departments to create their designs and supporting pitches.

Miss Colley continued: “Alongside their annotated drawings, an accompanying letter is required to persuade engineers to choose their design to build. Every entry is graded by engineers and educationalists, and all entries receive a named certificate.

“Shortlisted entries form part of the regional public exhibitions, and winners are presented with a trophy at a prestigious awards event.”

The students’ hard work paid off, with three winners selected from among the Springwood engineers. Kevin Adebayo in Year 7, Astrid Beshanska-Pedersen in Year 8, and Sana Grimsby, also Year 8, were all invited to the Regional East Celebration at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.

Miss Colley added: “Entering competitions like this gives pupils a chance to showcase their creative thinking and problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their own abilities. It also allows pupils to explore different career ideas in STEM.

“We had many pupils achieve a distinction, and had three winning pupils, which shows this competition gave them an opportunity to show what they can achieve.”