Y9 TeenTech Festival - October 2023

On Wednesday 11th October Mr Jones, the Head of Chemistry, took eight keen Year 9 Scientists to the TeenTech Festival in Basingstoke, where students were invited to take part in STEM challenges and activities. The first activity was one of innovation whereby students were required to develop and invent a piece of technology to fill a gap in the market. Using their own life experiences, the students developed two excellent ideas: a small discreet insulin pump that could communicate with the user, and an implantable GPS pet tracker that would communicate with your phone. The student's pet tracker won an award for innovation. The whole group showed great teamwork during this activity.

The students then listened to an inspiring talk from a father who had lost both arms and legs to disease some years ago. The talk focussed on the innovation and design of prosthesis and transportation devices for the disabled community. The students listened intently to the father describing how he overcame the challenges he has faced and how he has set up the float foundation to raise money to help others in similar situations. This was truly an inspiring individual. The students then had the opportunity to visit several stalls from tech companies to look at robotics, medical tech, programming, filming and editing of broadcasts.

This was Mr Jones' first trip since joining Calthorpe Park School at the beginning of term and he was very impressed with the attitude, work ethic, and maturity of the students.