Meridian Trust’s Young Innovators is a project aimed at unleashing the creativity and problem-solving skills of primary school pupils.
As we continue to roll out this innovative program across Meridian Trust this year, we are thrilled to witness the impact it has had on young minds and are looking forward to more schools joining the project.
A journey of exploration:
Our journey began with a ‘technology design’ project trialled at Histon & Impington Brook Primary School during the autumn term 2022.
The response was very strong, with more than 90 pupils submitting an impressive 60 different entries between them. We expanded the project to include all the former CPET schools and Bar Hill Primary School in the spring term 2023. Further schools are expected to participate from September 2023, a testament to the growing enthusiasm and engagement in the program.
Unveiling the potential: collaboration with Arm:
In our pursuit of fostering creativity and technological fluency among the younger generation, we have partnered with a sponsor in the form of Arm, the world’s leading semiconductor design company, which has its headquarters in Cambridge. Arm’s Primary School Outreach program has aligned perfectly with our mission.
Arm’s engagement means that we can offer exciting incentives to the participants, including computing enrichment days at Arm’s engineer-led coding sessions for winners of specific projects. Additionally, Arm will award a micro:bit (an easy-to-use programmable device that introduces children into coding) to the ultimate winner in each school, making it a memorable experience for all involved.
Designing a bright future:
At the core of Meridian Innovators lies the notion of empowering pupils to become independent and inclusive thinkers. Our approach allows pupils to conceptualise the final design, emphasising the process over the finished product. We provide a design brief to the schools, and real-life scenarios inspire the pupils’ ideas.
Some really interesting projects have already emerged, such as a hydration-monitoring watch, a shoe sensor for the visually impaired, carbon capture container, and an eco-conscious lunchtime app with exciting rewards. Our aim is to apply technology in ways that positively impact day-to-day life, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in the pupils’ creative endeavours.
Join us in the journey of innovation:
We invite Primary schools within the Meridian Trust to embrace the spirit of innovation and participate in the Meridian Innovators project.
A design brief is given to the school each time with some suggestions on what to create. This is launched in school assemblies with coverage on the school website.
To recognise the talent and hard work of our young innovators, each school will be given the responsibility of judging their top three projects. The deadline for submissions will be the first Friday back after half-term, giving students ample time to refine their ideas.
For more information or to get involved, please contact your school’s Computing Lead.
If you’re interested in learning more Computer Science through physical computing devices like the micro:bit, Arm offers a range of free online courses and project books: https://school.arm.com
