Chantry High School get Appy with BT at STEM Challenge 7 Final

BT and STEMNET invited STEM Challenge finalists to compete for big prizes at the Natural History Museum.

Chantry High School, Suffolk has won the most recent STEM Challenge! The competition asked students from across the UK to work in teams to design a smartphone app which can be used by visitors at London 2012.

STEM Challenge 7, supported by BT- the Official Communications Services partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – asked students to help make London 2012 Everyone’s Games by designing an app that provides useful information, communicated and accessed in the best way possible in order to contribute to a great Games experience for all.

Following regional competitions, eight schools from across the UK reached the national final at the Natural History Museum on Thursday 20th October. Each team of students aged 11-14 competed in a Dragon’s Den style pitch before a panel of expert judges. Finalists included:

• Bushey Meads School, Herts & Luton
• Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, Hereford & Worcester
• Broxburn Academy, East Scotland
• Chantry High School and Sixth Form Centre, Suffolk
• All Hallows Catholic High School, Lancashire
• Gosforth Central Middle School, Northumberland & Tyne & Wear
• Kesgrave High School, Suffolk
• The Harvey Grammar School, Kent & Medway

The winning design, presented by Chantry High School, was commended for its professional finish and in-depth technical knowledge. The team won £1,000 worth of equipment for their STEM Club and an experience prize awarded by BT. Second place was awarded to Team Oxidise from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, Hereford who received £750, the third place team from Broxburn Academy, East Scotland were awarded £500. The judges were looking for a creative, innovative idea which also applied the Olympic and Paralympic Values to the project, as well as a display of excellent teamwork and the development of inspirational ideas.

Nathan Stephens, World Champion and BT Ambassador said:
“As a BT ambassador, it’s great to be involved in the STEM Challenge and see how the Olympic and Paralympic Games are inspiring these young people. I’ve been so impressed by all the students I’ve seen today – they should all be really proud of themselves”.

Jo Hegarty, Sustainability Director London 2012 for BT said:
“As both the Official Communications Services partner and a sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it’s our ambition to use London 2012 as an engaging way to educate young people. STEM Challenge 7 has encouraged students to work together to develop truly innovative and creative ideas and we’re delighted to be involved”.

Andy Martin, Education Programme Manager at LOCOG said:
“STEM Challenge 7 from STEMNET and BT provided a fantastic opportunity to see young people become engaged with STEM subjects and eager to explore the opportunity to develop an App linked to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The STEM Challenges are a key partner programme in Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme and we would like to congratulate all schools who competed in this final. The creativity and innovation shown by all finalists was outstanding and it was rewarding to see how London 2012- the ‘greatest show on earth’- is making a real difference in encouraging young people’s learning.

Kirsten Bodley, Chief Executive at STEMNET said:
“The STEM Challenges get students thinking about the real-life applications of STEM subjects they learn in the classroom, whilst providing young people across the country with a chance to connect with the Olympic and Paralympic Games between now and 2012. STEMNET were delighted to partner with BT on yet another fantastic opportunity to engage young people with STEM; we hope that initiatives like the STEM Challenges will help to inspire the next generation of great British STEM professionals.”

Photos from the event can be seen here}/0/.