CSES launches new Primary Resource Kits scheme
We have been working with a small number of primary schools to trial the introduction of a new feature of the CSES STEM Club Bursary. This is the Primary Resource Kits scheme, providing free resource kits to support teaching of science at KS1 and KS2. We are aware of the challenges that teachers can face in terms of obtaining resources (or resources that work properly!) when planning and delivering engaging science lessons. It is our aim to support teachers and, in turn, help children explore science and technology.
Priory Primary School in Bicknacre have been among the first to make use of this scheme, taking delivery of a seed kit, wild west desert garden, grow-your-own herbs kit and a stick-on fabric plant diagram. Together, these make up the 'Plants' subject resource pack (others available include 'Electricity', 'Space', 'Rocks' and 'Light').
CSES supporting STEM in the community
Funds from the CSES STEM Club Bursary have been used to purchase Lego Spike Essential kits for Cherry Tree Primary School in Basildon, enabling them to run a club for pupils in years 1-6 with a more age-appropriate set of equipment.
Read more: STEM Club Bursary 2025: Cherry Tree Primary School
CSES@ARU Science and Engineering Saturday Club 2025
A few words from David, who runs our Saturday Club...
Hello, I am Professor David Humber from Anglia Ruskin University and Vice President of CSES, who runs this club at ARU, Chelmsford.
This year, we explored over a dozen different hands-on topics from infection and microbiology, through CAD design and 3D printing, and even pond dipping, chocolate welding and horology! We also took visits to Essex Wildlife, the Power Museum and our Masterclass at UCL East.
Each year our students seem to get better and the quality of work they submitted for our Agar Art Competition and the posters they produced for the cutting-edge science poster challenge were really impressive.
Finally, thanks to ARU for supporting our club and to the tutors and student ambassadors who helped run the sessions. Also, a big thank-you to our enthusiastic students and their parents and carers who supported and encouraged them.
Read more: CSES Imagine! Saturday Club completes its third year
Discover gaming careers, meet industry experts and explore the skills needed to create best-selling video games!
Spark Youth Forum, Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society (CSES) are delighted to invite you to our Game On! Careers Event on Wednesday 15th October from 12:00-5:00pm at ARU, Chelmsford.
The event is aimed at students and youth group participants in school years 9-11 and has been designed with young people for young people.
Game On! will:
- Showcase the breadth of skills / vocations involved in computer game design (e.g. coding / software design to voiceover, writing, music, graphic art, story development…).
- Raise awareness of career paths and show students how to get involved.
- Give students careers advice and confidence in seeking out opportunities.
- Provide an opportunity to speak directly with employers and industry players.
- Give students the chance to learn about the latest developments and opportunities in gaming.
Congratulations to everyone who won an award at the 2025 CSES TEXPO, which took place on Friday 27 June 2025 at Anglia Ruskin University.
We are very pleased to announce that the winners are as follows:
CSES has been working with ARU, Culture Chelmsford and the Spark! Youth Forum to bid for a significant national funding package that will enable three projects, including an expansion of the Chelmsford Science Festival. The full press release follows.
As part of a pilot project, we are seeking schools and industry partners who would be interested in holding an event focused on careers in the gaming industry (in the broadest sense). Please contact Adam Wood if you'd like to find out more.
Press Release: Young People Lead a Cultural Revolution in Chelmsford with Landmark £250,000 Investment
Chelmsford, Essex – Tuesday 27 May – Young people in Chelmsford are taking the lead in shaping the city's cultural future, thanks to a major £250,000 investment from Arts Council England, through the National Lottery Place Partnership Fund. This two-year, youth-led initiative marks the largest strategic cultural grant ever awarded in the district. It represents a bold new model for youth-powered civic leadership in the UK.
The Young Cultural Changemakers Programme will put 13–25-year-olds from local youth changemakers, Spark!, in the driving seat of decision-making. They’ll deliver cultural events, influence public policy, and help build a stronger, more inclusive creative economy that will benefit the Chelmsford district. The project is produced by Culture Chelmsford, and delivered in partnership with Chelmsford City Council, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford For You, and Chelmsford College.
Formed in 2022 through the Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP), Spark! was established to amplify young voices, remove barriers to accessing creative opportunities and develop the next generation of civic changemakers. Now, thanks to the joint investment of Arts Council England and citywide partners, this expanded programme places young people in leadership roles, shaping Chelmsford’s cultural landscape and building pathways into the UK’s £124 billion creative industries.
Read more: CSES helps to secure major investment for Chelmsford Science Festival
Not-For-Profits in STEM Education winner 2025
CSES is delighted to announce that, following a nomination by Chelmsford County High School for Girls (CCHS), we have been selected as a winner of the 2025 SheCanCode STEM Educator Awards!
The SheCanCode team said:
Your organisation's dedication to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM has not gone unnoticed. Through your work, you’ve helped break down barriers, spark curiosity, and create more inclusive opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Our community and judging panel were incredibly impressed by your passion, innovation, and commitment to driving change.
Our sincere thanks to Preena Kurian, Physics & STEM Lead at CCHS, with whom we have been collaborating on several projects recently and who very kindly nominated CSES for this award (citation below). We look forward to continue working with Preena and the team at CCHS!
Essex Central REMAP have entered their REMAP FLYER soapbox for the last few years in the Billericay Soapbox Derby. Ahead of the run down the hill, each soapbox team performs an act. This year, REMAP were helped by the Felsted School, who performed a sketch from the musical Matilda. This is a photo of the cast before the run in front of the REMAP stand at the event, which many thousands of people attend. Felsted pupils have been helping REMAP to make equipment for people with disabilities over the last few years, following an entry to CSES TEXPO 2023.
Help CSES deliver a fun Primary School STEM Day
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at an upcoming STEM Day hosted at Rayne Primary and Nursery School on Thursday 19th June, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
We will be bringing a selection of fun, hands-on activities – as seen at the highly popular Chelmsford Science Festival Family Weekend – to the school for year 4-6 pupils. Could you spare a school day or half-day to help us out? Everything is prepared and a full briefing will be provided, you just need to turn up.
What's provided:
- Food and drinks throughout the day.
- All resources and materials needed for the sessions.
Requirements:
- Must be (or be willing to become) a registered STEM Ambassador.
- Enthusiasm and willingness to inspire young minds in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Join us for a rewarding day of engagement and outreach!
Please contact David Humber or Zayeem Mitayeegiri if you are interested or would like to find out more.
Now accepting entries for our annual STEM competition and exhibition
Welcome to the CSES Annual STEM Competition, TEXPO, a premier event that celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of students across Essex. This competition provides a unique platform for young minds to showcase their innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Why Participate?
Participating in the TEXPO offers numerous benefits:
- Exposure to Industry Professionals: Your projects will be judged by experienced scientists and engineers, providing valuable feedback and career insights.
- Skill Development: Enhance your research, presentation, and problem-solving skills through hands-on project work and public speaking.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet and interact with peers from other schools, local dignitaries, and industry leaders.
- Recognition and Awards: Compete for substantial cash prizes and accolades that can bolster your CV or university applications.
- A Festive STEM Adventure: The CSES/ARU Christmas Lecture 2024
- Big Bang Competition 2025
- A new look for the website!
- Seeking volunteers to help with CSES/ARU Christmas Lecture 2024
- CSES at the Braintree Careers Fair 2024
- Seeking volunteers for Chelmsford Science Festival 2024
- Welcome to CSES 2024-2025
- CSES Imagine! Saturday Club completes a second year
- CSES at the Chelmsford Skills Festival 2024
- Felsted Pupils Shine at Billericay Soapbox Derby 2024