St Chris has a strong pedigree in STEM subjects, with pupils obtaining excellent results at GCSE and A-level in maths and the sciences and heading to a host of top-flight universities to continue their studies. See our results and achievements page for more information. Our new A-level and GCSE in computer science has proved a popular choice with students.
STEM activities are also embedded within the co-curricular culture at St Chris. Clubs include robotics; computer programming; astronomy as well as afterschool sessions for maths and science.
Years 7 and 8 learn to use LEGO Mindstorm robotics. Students learn to program using a visual language called Ev3.
The students work in teams to complete tasks and compete each January against approximately 30 other teams in Cambridge.
The teams create a fully autonomous robot and complete tasks such as picking up and moving pieces across a competition table as described by the FIRST LEGO League and sponsored by IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology).
The Year 9 robotics team is sponsored by MBDA. Students work with two mentors from MBDA to design, build and program a robot that will complete a set of challenges. Students also learn to document their work by creating an engineering notebook.
The students compete in three competitions throughout the year using VEX robotics. In 2018 our team placed second out of 16 teams overall.
Our Year 10 team competes in FIRST Tech Challenge using REV robotics. The team works hard to design, build and program their robot using a JAVA based programming language.
As well as competing in regional competitions, the team also mentors our junior teams once a week to help prepare them for their competitions.
Astronomy club follows the curriculum of the GCSE Edexcel Astronomy course and is offered to all Senior School pupils. At the end of the course students have the option of taking the GCSE exam.
Students learn about planets, stars, and our universe. All students complete practicals involving our many telescopes and observatory.
Students are also required to complete naked-eye observations by learning to spot stars, red giants, meteors and satellites.
Year 10 and 11 students have a chance to complete a Crest Award. This award allows students to research a specific topic of their choosing in science. The project requires the students to research, build and finally report on the topic. Gold award seeking students will also attend a science fair to display and share their project with community experts.
St Chris runs a summer festival each year where the whole school comes off timetable for a few days to take part in a range of workshops and performances.
In June 2018 pupils from Nursery to Sixth Form took part in the St Chris STEM Festival 2018.
Pupils took part in a huge range of workshops across the two day festival including:
To see the full festival programme please download here: Download STEM Festival Workshops 2018
Funds raised by the STEM Festival cake sale were donated to the Hitchin Hedgehog Preservation Society
