Press release: 25 June 2018

Children from Trinity Road Primary school were invited to attend the 2018 CSES Schools' Engineering and Technology Competition at Anglia Ruskin University to present work they'd prepared as part of a school competition celebrating the Year of Engineering.

Children from Trinity Road Primary School proudly display their entries for the CSES competition at Anglia Ruskin University
Children from Trinity Road Primary School proudly display their entries for the CSES competition at Anglia Ruskin University

The Primary schoolchildren's work stood out amongst all the other projects, as the only Primary school taking part this year. Adam Wood, who organised this CSES competition, said "We're keen to have more Primary schools take part in this and other STEM activities and events." He added: "The challenge is getting in touch with the right person in a primary school, as they're less likely to have a Science or Engineering lead than secondary schools."

Vicky Ford, MP for Chelmsford, attending the event, spoke in particular to the girls from Trinity Road Primary School, giving them examples of the opportunities and benefits for women in STEM careers and listening to them explain their LEGO creations.

Vicky Ford speaks to children of Trinity Road Primary School about STEM career opportunities
Vicky Ford speaks to children of Trinity Road Primary School about STEM career opportunities

Competition judges also spoke with the children about their entries for the competition. Judges included retired electromechanical engineer Paul Green (pictured), who applied to be a judge again this year because he's passionate about encouraging young people to "understand what's inside the box."

Competition judge Paul Green speaks with primary school pupil Charlotte
Competition judge Paul Green speaks with primary school pupil Charlotte

Hephzi Angela Tagoe (pictured), founder of the Basildon Street Science fair, now in its third year, is another judge demonstrating their passion for raising awareness of STEM applications to young people and families.

Competition judge Hephzi Angela Tagoe speaks with primary school pupils Erika and Rose
Competition judge Hephzi Angela Tagoe speaks with primary school pupils Erika and Rose

Trinity Road Primary school's PTA launched their first LEGO competition this year, inspired by the Year of Engineering, wherein the children took part by creating a LEGO construction that illustrated an engineering principle. In stark comparison, the annual CSES Competition has been running since 1935, includes over 40 secondary schools from across Essex and over 120 students presenting over 55 projects.

Children from Trinity Road Primary School proudly display their entries for the CSES competition at Anglia Ruskin University
Children from Trinity Road Primary School proudly display their entries for the CSES competition at Anglia Ruskin University

Claire Styles, Chair of the Trinity Road Primary School PTA, who organised their competition said: "We were delighted that we received very positive feedback from parents and children about running a STEM activity. We didn't realise how much support there is out there to include more STEM activities in our primary school. We'll be doing this again next year, that's for sure."

Anyone wishing to support this initiative is encouraged to contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Notes to Editor

Written by: Claire Styles, Chair of Trinity Road Primary School PTA

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