Education
We are a key provider and coordinator of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education activities and support in Essex. These are for students at school and home, and are designed to both stimulate an interest in STEM and to open possible career paths.
» See upcoming CSES events for schools, children and families
Including our flagship annual TEXPO, projects and online competitions throughout the year.
Out-of-school clubs, masterclasses and projects to enhance learning with fun, practical activities.
Financial and in-kind support for your STEM Club, project or activity at school.
Interactive conferences attended by students, industry partners and the public sector.
A FREE annual CSES/ARU lecture from a high-profile speaker, open to all schools.
Careers guidance, STE(A)M activities, ideas and other material for all ages both in school and at home.
Take inspiration from what others have been getting up to.
Talk to us about dedicated support, resources, projects and competitions for your school.
A new project for Primary and Secondary School Students: November 2022 to June 2023
We are launching another new science, technology and computing project for primary and secondary schools. This year, the project celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the BBC and Essex as the birthplace of radio!
We are looking for participating schools across Essex to become new CSES Affiliate Schools whose student teams will:
- Gain an understanding of the basic technology of radio transmission and develop hands-on electronics skills by constructing both a simple crystal set and a more sophisticated FM receiver.
- Research the history, roles and activities of key participants in the development of radio broadcasting (or other areas where arts and technology combine), especially highlighting the roles of women and others from under-represented groups.
- Develop and record a short 5-minute podcast introducing their chosen role model, which they will share within the classroom using a short-range FM transmitter and more widely with other schools through audio streaming.
- Prepare a poster, which together with their podcast will be judged at our annual TEXPO in June 2023.
To maximise the success of these student-led projects, additional competitive funding may be available from our CSES STEM Club Bursary.
There will be PRIZES for the most innovative, best research and greatest impact entry in each age group, presented at our annual awards ceremony at Anglia Ruskin University in July. In consultation with your CSES Champion, teams may be funded to enter their project for an appropriate level National CREST Award.
We are now looking for schools across Essex (including the unitary authorities) to become CSES School Affiliate Members and discuss how they would like to be involved in this exciting project.
Please contact our Vice President for Education, Professor David Humber, for further information (
Read more: Giving Voice: Stories of STE(A)M through the technology of radio
After two years off due to Covid, the annual CSES Schools' Competition returned on 17 June 2022, now known by its new name "TEXPO" (Schools' Technology Exhibition) as it accompanies our new online competitions and projects.
Numbers were understandably lower this year, but the standard of work on display was incredibly high. Entries were especially impressive given the limitations that we know people have faced over the last couple of years during the pandemic.
Congratulations to everyone who won an award at the 2022 CSES TEXPO, which took place on Friday 17 June 2022 at Anglia Ruskin University.
TEXPO: Friday 17 June 2022, ARU Chelmsford
CSES welcomes entries to the 2022 TEXPO: Schools’ Technology Exhibition.
Open to Y5-13 | All STE(A)M projects welcome | Show your work to scientists and engineers | Cash prizes to be won
Are you in a STEM club at primary or secondary school? Have you made something fantastic in technology or science lessons or for your coursework? Have you created some great software? Have you been doing interesting technical projects at home? (Or have your students?)
Or do you have some STE(A)M work you'd like to share with others – including real scientists and engineers – such as a poster, report, presentation or video?
If your answer to any of these questions is YES, then exhibit at the annual CSES TEXPO. There is prize money to be won! All STE(A)M projects are very welcome – whether practical or theoretical. The TEXPO now includes a dedicated 'poster session' for science, maths and non-practical projects.
This is also an excellent opportunity to develop your interview and presentation skills, as you explain your project to our judges, many of whom are from local industry. You won't just get professional feedback and tips from real engineers and scientists, you'll also get to talk about careers – this is great exposure and looks good on your CV or university application!
Register online quickly and easily here.
Find out more about TEXPO here.
Centenary Photographic Competition: Controlling the Climate Crisis
Also a reminder that our Centenary Photographic Competition is still open for entries.
Open to anyone living, working or attending education in Essex, our photographic competition explores the key link between the creative arts and STEM. The theme is Controlling the Climate Crisis.
We want you to take photographs that express what you think are the ways in which we are starting to mitigate the climate crisis. So take out your camera or your phone and snap some photos that encapsulate the essence of climate change and the role of science and technology! We will be looking for photos that are creative in their approach, with an innovative angle on the subject, or have a creative interpretation of the themes.
Enter online quickly and easily here.
Find out more about the competition here.
The entry deadline for both competitions is Friday 10 June 2022.
Read more: TEXPO 2022 and Photo Competition – ONE WEEK left to enter!
The deadline for entries to the 2022 Big Bang Competition has been extended until 5pm on Monday 4 April, so there is still time to get your entries in!
The CSES TEXPO 2022 is also open for entries until Friday 10 June.
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- Centenary Photographic Competition 2022: Controlling the Climate Crisis
- Photographic Competition 2021 winners announced
- CSES competition winner speaks with PM
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- Photographic Competition 2021 Deadline Extended
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