Trio of outstanding STEM schools celebrated with High Sheriff Award

Three South Yorkshire schools have been presented with special awards in recognition of their innovations and inventions to help create a greener future.

Meadowhead School, in Sheffield, won first place and £500 at the inaugural High Sheriff Award: 'Building a Better Future Together’ event for their design of a drone to deliver medicine to remote areas.

Second place and £300 was awarded to Penistone Grammar School students who designed a sustainable hydrogen production facility using wind and solar power.

In equal third place and receiving £100 were the teams from Milton - a special educational needs school in Swinton, Mexborough. The students designed a solar-powered, self-sorting dustbin as well as conceptual ideas to prevent the floating Kansai Airport in Japan from sinking. They also created as a carbon neutral facility to encourage sea life to thrive in the surrounding area. 

'Building a Better Future Together', organised by The Work-wise Foundation, brought together more than 100 students aged 12 to 16 from schools across South Yorkshire at Magna Science Adventure Centre.

The pupils were tasked with crafting inventions aimed at advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related developments or creating new products to shape a brighter, greener tomorrow.

The concept was developed and delivered by The Work-wise Foundation on behalf of the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Professor Jaydip Ray DL after he attended several Work-wise events, including Get up to Speed with STEM and the Work-wise STEM Employability Summer Academy.

Janice Richardson, Co-founder and Senior Executive of The Work-wise Foundation, said: 

We’re immensely proud of the creativity and enthusiasm displayed by the participating students. The High Sheriff Award not only fosters innovation but also promotes inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a better future.

 

The prize money was awarded through the High Sheriff Endowment Fund, which was established in 2008 by the High Sheriff at the time, Stephen Ingram, in partnership with South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation to give out small grants to local community organisations.

Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes for South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) said: 

We are incredibly proud to support this inspiring new initiative and would like to congratulate all the children who took part. Young people and employment is a key priority for SYCF, so it was wonderful we were able to support these talented and passionate students through the High Sheriff Endowment Fund.

 

The event included an opportunity for students to engage with professionals from the STEM sector, including Cobra Sport, CPH2, Jenx, United Cast Bar, Ametek Land, Magna Trust, and Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd.

Students brought their innovative ideas to life using scrap and recyclable materials and the creations were presented to their families who were invited to attend, as well as a panel of judges including individuals from senior roles within the STEM sector.

Kathryn Boyle, from Milton school said:

Our kids were like fish out of water, this is all very new to them, but they were all a foot taller on the day after. I know full well how much effort goes into these days and how much additional support you gave to us and our kids. Thank you for making the event as inclusive and accessible as possible.

 

The High Sheriff was joined at the event by the Civic Mayor and Mayoress of Doncaster who spent the whole day meeting the young people and learning about their creative ideas.