ASFA students explore future STEM careers  

STUDENTS from the Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) in Kensington embraced their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills in a full day of activities at Liverpool John Moore’s University (LJMU).  A mixed group of students from years eight to 10 attended the Liverpool STEM challenge day to take part in a mixture of science, maths and technology based activities. Working in small groups, students tackled challenges that presented situations that may be faced in a future STEM-based career. Careers in robotics, medicine and criminal investigation were explored with teams being asked to programme robots, diagnose medical conditions and create a criminal e-fit using the latest police technology. In the final challenge of the day, students were given the task of creating a race car using a variety of parts, elastic bands and a battery pack. The day gave students a practical insight into the world of STEM allowing them to see how STEM subjects are used in real life settings. Students were also given a look inside LJMU, with many coming away excited about attending university in the future. Tracey Greenough, Head of School, says: “The Academy is dedicated to setting its students up for life after school and events like the STEM Challenge help to promote the many career options available. “The students were a real asset to the academy and I hope that they took away some great skills that can be used both in the classroom and later in life.”