Our Year 12 students recently enjoyed an inspiring and hands-on STEM Experience Day at the University of Liverpool, where they had the opportunity to design their own programme by selecting activities that matched their interests across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The day began with the popular "Creation in Chemistry" session, where students completed practical work in a real university laboratory. They were able to synthesise compounds linked to medicine, including drugs used in pain relief and anaesthetics, using a range of chemical techniques and equipment such as vacuum filtration and fume cupboards. Students also explored analytical methods by carrying out chromatography experiments, developing their understanding of how substances can be separated and identified.

Alongside this, some students took part in engineering challenges, including designing and testing water filters. Through multiple trials, they were able to compare different designs and evaluate their effectiveness, developing key skills in problem-solving, iteration and data analysis.

In the Earth sciences session, students explored geology and volcanoes, using microscopes to analyse thin rock sections and identify minerals. They also investigated volcanic processes by modelling different lava viscosities, using syrup as an analogue to understand how lava flows behave in real-world scenarios.

The day also included a maths "Dragon Quiz" challenge, where students worked collaboratively to solve complex, problem-solving questions. This session encouraged teamwork, resilience and logical thinking, with students applying their mathematical knowledge in a competitive and engaging environment.

In addition to the academic sessions, students enjoyed a campus tour, gaining a valuable insight into university life, before finishing the day with an exciting opportunity to experience flight simulators.

Overall, the day was a fantastic success. Students not only deepened their understanding of STEM subjects but also gained a real sense of what studying at university is like. It was an engaging, hands-on experience that inspired curiosity, built confidence, and highlighted the wide range of pathways available within STEM.