inTEC support local school with exciting STEM initiative

The Barlow RC High School 

The Barlow RC High School, founded in 1985 is in East Didsbury, Manchester. As a prominent Catholic high school for ages 11-16, The Barlow is dedicated to delivering excellent education rooted in Christian values. Barlow prioritises academic excellence through a challenging and comprehensive curriculum. The Barlow is a diverse and fully inclusive community and as such they welcome pupils of all faiths and ensures every student flourishes in their supportive community.

The high school is looking to enhance how students engage with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum. They are looking to achieve this through the delivery of STEM projects that help bring what is being taught in the classroom to life and provide career inspiration to students.

The Goal

The goal is simple: skills acquired through this program will feed into the skills that employers will require from the students as they leave school and engage with work placements, internships, apprenticeships and job opportunities in the future. 

inTEC Donation 

Due to current severe restrictions on available budgets and pressure on teacher’s time, the school reached out to the local business community to seek to raise £750 in sponsorship funding to enable its entire Year 7 (11-12 year old) group of students to participate in the “Race To The Line Bio” STEM Challenge 2023/24 (in association with the learning partnership) 

Importance for Schools 

Race to the Line Bio is not only popular but also holds significant importance for schools across the United Kingdom. Its inclusive cross-curricula STEM activity engages small teams of students in a collaborative endeavour to design, build and race a model rocket car. This hands-on project goes beyond conventional classroom learning, allowing students to apply core STEM principles such as Newton’s Laws of Motion.  

 Moreover, it offers an opportunity for students to utilise advanced technologies like CAD/CAM, 3-D printing or laser cutting to manufacture components, fostering innovation and creativity. Additionally, students delve into computer coding to create a timing system, enhancing their digital literacy skills.  

The Purpose

The project’s emphasis on “tool skills” in the build process instils practical know-how and craftsmanship. More than just a technical pursuit, Race to the Line Bio promotes “social learning” among students, encouraging teamwork, communication, and collaboration. Through this immersive experience, students not only develop their STEM proficiency but also cultivate essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. 

Here at the inTEC GROUP, we are happy to have made a donation of £750 to the Barlow RC High School towards this fantastic project. 

With a dedicated education division (inTEC EDUCATION) we have a proven track record of working with state and independent schools, multi-academy trusts, maintained and special schools for over 20 years. We deliver IT services that enable quality, innovation and excellence in education. We provide staff, pupils and governors with robust, proactive and innovative IT and infrastructure to safeguard schools, optimise technology and enhance IT governance. Discover more here