Sci-Tech Daresbury programme brings computing to life for Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy students…

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy is the first secondary school to get involved in an exciting collaboration with Sci-Tech Daresbury, which is a joint venture between Langtree, Halton Borough Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).

Thanks to the initiative, students  are discovering that computing is about far more than screens and keyboards.

Over the past year, Year 9 students have been taking part in a series of hands-on physical computing workshops, learning how to programme devices that interact with the real world. Using Crumble controllers, LEDs, motors and sensors, students have created projects including light animations, digital thermometers and parking sensors.

The initiative began in 2024 with a small after-school enrichment programme for Key Stage 3 and 4 students. The sessions proved so popular that the school expanded the project into the Year 9 computing curriculum, with six two-hour workshops delivered throughout the year.

Gina Czarnecki, senior public engagement producer for Sci-Tech Daresbury and Halton Borough Council explained: “At the outset I was unsure whether resources originally designed for primary school-aged pupils would resonate with older students, but this concern quickly proved unfounded. Skills first encountered in primary school can be deepened through creative application, reinforcing understanding while maintaining high levels of engagement.”

Thanks to the success of these enrichment sessions, the school sought to expand the programme’s reach and curriculum leader for business, computing and ICT at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, Liam Hussey has been delighted with the outcome of the initiative.

He said: “The impact has been significant: increased engagement and progress in computing, enhanced staff subject knowledge, and a more enriched Key Stage 3 offer. We have also seen around a 20% increase in uptake at Key Stage 4, including a marked rise in girls choosing computing.”

He added: “Students quickly developed coding, teamwork and practical skills in a fun and engaging way. Feedback has been excellent, and other students have already asked when they will have the same opportunity.”

As a result of the input from students at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, the project has continued to evolve, helping to demonstrate how schools, industry and community partners can work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people. By combining classroom learning with real-world STEM experiences, students are developing the skills, confidence and curiosity needed for the digital careers of the future.

The collaboration has since grown beyond the classroom. Working with YouthFed in partnership with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), students have visited Sci-Tech Daresbury to explore cutting-edge scientific facilities, meet industry professionals and take part in coding and cyber security workshops.

More recently, students participated in an innovation day, designing AI-driven apps, with winning teams progressing to further development opportunities.

Insights gained from working with local schools have helped launch the ‘Computers in Schools’ initiative, which provides refurbished laptops to primary schools across Halton through support from local business, Asset Lifecycle Solutions.

Sci-Tech Daresbury are now keen to expand the programme and offer physical computing activities to more secondary schools across Halton.