News

Year 9 Explore Innovation and STEM

01 October 2025

Year 9 pupils have enjoyed two enriching trips this week, providing exciting opportunities to explore creativity, innovation and the wide-ranging possibilities in STEM and Design and Technology (DT).

On Tuesday, our Year 9 DT pupils, alongside GCSE and A Level DT pupils, attended the prestigious WJEC Innovation Awards. This national showcase celebrates the most inventive GCSE and A Level project work from across the country, inspiring young people to think creatively and recognise the vital role of Design, Technology and STEM in shaping the future. The pupils were thrilled to see the work of two of their peers on display: George F, with his Lego Gobbler, and Dylan D, with Oct 'o' Play, both shortlisted for the exhibition. Their projects will also feature at a second exhibition in Bangor later this month — a well-deserved recognition of their innovation and skill.

The following day, the entire cohort attended the CGI STEM and Sustainability event at the Principality Stadium. Pupils explored a wide range of interactive stalls and activities, discovering the latest innovations in science, technology and sustainable living. Exhibitors included UCL, Cardiff University, BBC, Engineering Education Wales, and several leading engineering and sustainability organisations. Highlights included an inspiring presentation from former Tomorrow’s World presenter Kate Bellingham, a lively panel discussion with CGI employees about careers in STEM, and hands-on workshops featuring LEGO® robot programming, racing and computer coding.

Both trips offered our Year 9 cohort a stimulating insight into the creative and scientific possibilities open to them, combining inspiration, practical experience and an appreciation of how innovation and sustainability connect with the real world.

Click the images below to see more photos from the trips