On Thursday 15th November, I had the pleasure of accompanying Mr Lam and a small group of Mosslands best Year 8 STEM students to the Liverpool’s  Arena and Convention Centre,  where the students would be introduced to the world of manufacturing via Smart factory Expo – Digital Manufacturing Week.

Right from the off, the students were greeted by a brand new Aston Martin, valued at £150,000, and the assurance that any one of them may one day be driving such a car if they set their sights high and keep working hard!                                         

Over 150 exhibitors could be found at the Expo and its seemed the challenge for our students was to visit them all. Our students had the freedom of the convention centre and were allowed to walk around all the exhibitors, where they were given fascinating insights into manufacturing plus a whole range of freebies from donuts to 3D printed sweets and from pens with their names on to USB sticks. The employees of these companies took a great interest in the students, and one exclaimed "they are the talent of the future!" The boys were given the opportunity to ask questions and use the interactive exhibits, while being introduced to the world of Industry.  At the end of the day, the boys left with a full bag of freebies each and the inspiration of pursuing a job in the diverse and dynamic arena that is manufacturing.

Alfie, a year 8 student wrote…

On November 15th 2018 I journeyed to the Smart Factory Expo in Liverpool. We went there to learn about Manufacturing, STEM and life skills. It was an amazing day full of wonderful, exciting surprises. Also, a lot of responsibility would be given to me as the day progressed. It, would take courage, curiosity and eagerness to carry out these tasks but I knew I would be able to accomplish it.

After lunch we entered the huge, magnificent building. The towering ceilings made the building extremely spacious and sent an anxious feeling down my spine. As we advanced forward two brilliantly and intricately designed cars stood in front of me. Outstandingly, one was the fastest four-seater car in the world! It had beautiful leather stitched all the way through the interior of the jet-black car. The heated seats inside were adjustable and fitted to your preferred position. After what felt like hours of gazing at the unbelievable car, we advanced onwards to the convention centre. The sight was phenomenal; rows upon rows of glorious displays, that showed off the product and company. Well-dressed business men and woman waited patiently to answer questions that anybody asked. The loud chatter of the people echoed across the never-ending hall and eventually bounced off the glossy walls and back to them.

On the 4th of October 2018, Mosslands Year 7 pupils had the opportunity to experience the WRC (World Rally championship) Welsh Rally and The Big Bang @ Dayinsure Wales Rally GB. The STEM Event was a celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, designed to encourage and inspire young people. Exhibits brought STEM subjects to life with engaging and interactive activities, including Robotics, Aerodynamics, Simulators, 3D Printing, Chemical experiments, Thermodynamics and much more.

The day started with a fascinating tour around the Toyota engine production line in Deeside. It was here  that the students saw the various engine types that Toyota has produced as well as an introduction to the current engines that Toyota produce today. Progressing through the massive  plant, the students were given a talks about how the engines are produced, assembly line procedures and the global influence robots have on production around the World.

Engineering Student of the Year