FutureTech
A Reed’s School Initiative…inspiring tomorrow’s independent thinkers
FutureTech is not just a building, it is a vision for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and a programme which involves Reed’s School pupils, teachers and a wider community including other educational institutions and commercial organisations.
There is a widely reported concern that the British economy is being affected by the lack of skills to support the progression to STEM careers. Engineering companies report an estimated 2.5 million job openings between now and 2022 (Engineering Report 2015).
Pupils are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to take advantage of these opportunities. The commercial world needs young people with technological literacy.
The FutureTech Programme:
FutureTech Initiatives
FutureTech Lecture Programme
A regular series of thought-provoking lectures given by speakers from industry and research aimed at pupils and parents from Reed's together with our partner schools.
FutureTech Outreach
Through links with educational organisations (such as Primary Engineer, the Ogden Trust and LEGO Education) like minded schools (Bohunt and Greig Academy) and corporates (such as Siemens and McLaren) we have developed our STEM curriculum and forged mutually beneficial relationships.
FutureTech sponsored work experience and apprenticeships
A number of career apprenticeships and work experience are offered by our partner corporates to Reed’s pupils and pupils from our partner schools who show an aptitude for STEM.
FutureTech Exhibitions
FutureTech hosts regular exhibitions for innovations in aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
FutureTech Co-Curricular Programme
Standing alongside the curriculum is the co-curriculum which provides pupils with opportunities to develop their STEM skills and interests:
- Robotics Club (junior & senior)
- Greenpower Challenge
- McLaren Challenge
- Landrover 4x4 challenge
FutureTech Curriculum
Third Form (Year 9)
As well as providing an exciting and creative learning environment the FutureTech Programme provides a cross-curricular programme for all Third Form pupils which removes the barriers between subjects and encourage interest, skill development and creativity in the areas of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The cross-curricular course involves topics such as:
1. CODING WITH SPHERO
Pupils use the Sphero Edu App to programme robots to solve problems and explore scientific principles through a series of practical challenges. This course allows pupils to progress from using drag-and-drop coding to using JavaScript to write their own code, an invaluable skill in the modern world.
2. USING AI IN SCIENCE
Pupils explore and use different AI platforms to practice using AI for research, project delivery and learning through exploration outside of GCSE Science curriculums, promoting scientific curiosity. They create an informative poster on a scientific topic only using AI for every aspect; Perplexity.AI for research, Bing Image Creator for images, and Canva for poster creation.
3. USING CAMERAS IN SCIENCE
Pupils learn how high-tech cameras (underwater, camera traps and drones) are currently being used in conservation across the world to help monitor and protect species on our planet. We will look at how cameras are used within the oceans, local terrestrial habitats and arial surroundings to survey a variety of different ecosystems.
4. DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE STADIUMS
Pupils design sustainable, carbon neutral stadiums. They research new technologies guided by sustainable action plans written by existing companies, helping them find existing techniques to implement in their own stadium plans. Pupils write an application proposal for their stadium and present it in class.
5. 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES
Pupils enjoy technology-focussed sessions involving 3D printing looking at the future of production and additive manufacture. A “concept corner”, created in the FutureTech IT room looks at developing ideas and looking at how modern technologies (including AI) will help bring ideas to life. Pupils then create a key ring (or other product) using these concepts.
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING
Pupils design, build and test a model of a wind turbine and then plan and implement a successful investigation to evaluate the efficiency of their design to understand the advantages and disadvantages of wind as an energy resource. They then make recommendations about the use of wind energy as part of the UK’s future energy strategy.
7. EDT BRONZE INDUSTRIAL CADET AWARD
Pupils work on a range of problem-solving activities in teams, enhancing critical thinking and teamwork skills. They carry out the EDT Bronze Industrial Cadet Award, where they research and create a product to a given specification. They work with industry mentors to understand the bigger picture of problem solving, teamwork and presentation techniques which is submitted and delivered to a panel of experts.
IGCSE Science Curriculum
In the Fourth & Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11) STEM skills and concepts are developed through the IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, and Computer Science Curriculum. All pupils study two or more Science Subjects.
AS/A2 Level Curriculum
Sixth Form pupils (Years 12 and 13) further develop STEM skills and understanding through studying A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
There are various competitions and challenges which the Science and Mathematics departments support such as:
- Surrey SATRO – challenges to develop problem-solving skills using knowledge from across the STEM curriculum
- Faraday Challenge - a team of Year 8 pupils are given a problem and then have to think up a solution, design it and make it using a 3D printer. They then present their product to a panel of adults.
