Tranby’s Year 8 students recently demonstrated their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Faraday Challenge Day, held on Wednesday, 22 January at the Isaac Newton Building, University of Lincoln.
This prestigious nationwide event brings together schools to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists. Competing against five other schools, our students were tasked with tackling a real-world challenge: designing a sustainable toy, educational resource, or sports aid for individuals with disabilities.
Working in teams, the students brainstormed, designed, and built prototypes, supported by IET volunteers and local engineers who shared valuable industry insights. The event was a fantastic opportunity to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles in a practical and meaningful way, preparing students for future careers.
One of the students commented, “I loved working with my team to come up with a solution to a real problem. It was challenging, but we learned a lot about engineering and how to think creatively.”
The day culminated in an exciting presentation round, where teams showcased their innovative designs to a panel of expert judges. Projects were assessed on innovation, feasibility, and presentation skills. At Tranby, we take immense pride in the fact that every student actively participated in the final presentation and Q&A session, some even overcoming nerves to confidently speak in front of the judges. Well done to all of you!
The winning team earned certificates, a trophy, and a place at the IET’s National Final, an incredible achievement. Tranby came a close second, and with every student so engaged and contributing to the final presentation, it truly felt like a win for us too!
The IET Faraday Challenge is part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s broader mission to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering and address the growing skills gap in the sector.
Tranby is proud to support such enriching opportunities, which align with our commitment to providing outstanding careers guidance and hands-on experiences for students. Events like this are instrumental in nurturing critical thinking, resilience, and collaboration - skills essential for future success.
For more information about the IET Faraday Challenge, visit https://education.theiet.org/iet-faraday-challenge.