STEM Work

STEM is a thriving and ambitious area of learning at The Observatory School, offering pupils meaningful opportunities to develop technical, creative, and problem-solving skills through both curriculum and enrichment activities. Our STEM provision encourages teamwork, innovation, resilience, and real-world application, preparing pupils for future education, employment, and life beyond school.

The school has a strong and successful history in competitive robotics and engineering. We were reigning FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Champions from 2019 to 2021, and in 2022 competed at national level at Cambridge University. More recently, pupils took part in the FIRST LEGO League in 2025, achieving regional-level awards, and this year we have expanded our offer further by engaging in STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools), with pupils preparing to compete at regional level. Our STEM Club runs during Wednesday and Friday Socials, bringing pupils together from across the school to work collaboratively as a team, alongside additional after-school STEM clubs.

The STEM team is led by Mr Dickson and Mr B, who were nominated and shortlisted for a TES Award for Best STEM Teachers, recognising the quality and impact of their work. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 3D printer, laser cutter, and a range of engineering tools, enabling pupils to design, prototype, and build with confidence. During curriculum time, KS4 pupils complete personalised STEM projects and work towards the ICDL Robotics qualification. We also work closely with local industry partners to give pupils insight into real-world skills, knowledge, and career pathways, and we enrich learning through educational visits to STEM places of interest, including a technical tour of Concorde. Looking ahead, we are committed to investing in further technology to continue expanding the range and ambition of STEM projects available to our pupils.