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.
On 13 December 2024, our Year 12 and 13 students enjoyed an inspiring festive trip to Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford for a Christmas lecture on Engineering and Manufacturing. Hosted by the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society, the event provided a fascinating insight into the rapidly evolving world of technology and industry.
The lecture highlighted the intricate workings of supply chains and networks, revealing how precision and collaboration are essential in delivering goods and services. Students also explored cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future, including artificial intelligence and novel energy resources. These innovations promise to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, offering more efficient, sustainable, and creative ways to produce and distribute products.
The experience was both educational and engaging, sparking curiosity about STEM careers. Students left with a deeper understanding of how engineering and manufacturing intersect with global challenges such as sustainability and energy efficiency. This trip reminded us of the power of innovation to create a brighter, greener future – and perhaps inspired the next generation of engineers and inventors among us!
Original article by New Hall School. Text reproduced with kind permission.
The Big Bang Competition is open for entries! Inspire students to work together, problem solve and get creative with science, engineering and technology. Celebrate your students’ inner innovator with technology prizes, supported by Siemens.
Entries will close on 26 March at 5pm!
Find out more about The Competition and how to enter online.
Entries are also open for our TEXPO 2025 Competition – further details to follow soon!
You may have noticed that the look and feel of the website has changed slightly. This is because we are in the process of upgrading the software on which the website is based – this is a major upgrade involving several software components and a complete replacement of the visual template. We are therefore taking the opportunity to have a refresh, and to bring everything up-to-date in terms of accessibility, mobile device compatibility and so on.
Please bear with us while this work is completed. The main functions of the website should all be working, but there are still several behind-the-scenes upgrades to be made and various tweaks required to get everything fully back online. These will take place over the coming weeks.
If you have any problems using the website or find something not working, please do get in touch.
On Wednesday 25th September at Chelmsford City Racecourse, CSES members Chris Neale and Ed Bye promoted the Society and in general STEM career paths at the Braintree Careers Fair.
The event was for students in their GCSE year (age 15/16) to help them decide on options for college or 6th Form as well as provide information on future career choices and paths such as apprenticeship or university route.
Eight schools in the Braintree area attended for an hour throughout the day, with a total student count of around 1500!
We are delighted to announce our new season of events, including the Chelmsford Science Festival, social meet-ups and FREE evening lectures at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford!
We have searched near and far for speakers and once again we have a varied and fascinating mix of topics so there is bound to be something of interest for everyone. We would say, though, don't just come to the talks that appeal to you, often the most interesting topics are those you may think are "not my thing".
So, what's in store?
CSES@ARU Science and Engineering Saturday Club
Having just completed its second year, our Science and Engineering Saturday Club focuses on exploring the science and engineering behind real-life activities and problems that affect our health and wellbeing. As well as professionals and academics, the Club was supported by our medicine, science, engineering and business students, giving our members a unique opportunity to talk to current ARU students studying a range of STEM related courses they may be interested in. The programme enabled students to use state-of-the-art equipment in our unique Super Lab facilities and the workshop and computer laboratories at ARU's Chelmsford Campus. In addition to sessions on campus, the students visited external STEM related centres.
Overall, the students learnt a range of science and engineering skills including: Laboratory health and safety, microbiology, medical diagnostics, statistics, 3DCAD design and printing, pump engineering, clock construction and even bush craft!
Read more: CSES Imagine! Saturday Club completes a second year
The 2024 Chelmsford Skills Festival was held on Thursday 27 June at ARU Writtle. CSES attended the event, alongside Teledyne e2v, BAE Systems and other businesses in the region.
A whole school day event for Year 8s, to help them choose their exam options, eight local schools attended, with an estimated footfall of 1,200 students in total at the event. There were around 75 companies and organisations represented, accommodated in seven large marquees.
On the CSES stand, we had an autonomous line-following robot (bit:bot) and a hand-strength gauge which proved quite popular with students seeing who of their group had the strongest and weakest hand grip. There was also a small box of "electronic poo", i.e. dead batteries, which stimulated much discussion about the necessity, science and engineering of correctly disposing of waste materials to protect the environment and ecology. This was accompanied by a range of leaflets and booklets explaining what engineering is and some of the different types of engineering that takes place.
Overall, this was a very good and enjoyable day. The society's thanks to Chris Neale and Ed Bye for supporting.
In a wonderful display of creativity and collaboration, Felsted School pupils, parents, and staff teamed up with REMAP engineers at the Billericay Soapbox Derby. The annual extravaganza drew in thousands of spectators eager to witness the spectacle of soapbox chariots hurtling down a perilous route towards the finishing line. This year, Felsted pupils have partnered with REMAP, working collaboratively to create a computerised memory game aimed at assisting people with dementia. Weekly sessions with REMAP engineers have provided Felsted students with invaluable opportunities to hone their scientific, engineering and design skills, all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Read more: Felsted Pupils Shine at Billericay Soapbox Derby 2024
Congratulations to everyone who won an award at the 2024 CSES TEXPO, which took place on Friday 21 June 2024 at Anglia Ruskin University.
- 150th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi
- TEXPO 2024 now open for entries
- Photographic Competition 2024 deadline extended – enter now!
- CSES continues to support schools with technology and engineering
- Centenary Photographic Competition 2024: Time
- TEXPO 2024 (save the date) and Big Bang
- Felsted School Partners with Remap Charity in Innovative Project to Support People with Dementia
- Science and Engineering Saturday Club 2024
- CSES co-hosts STEM Conference with Drapers' Academy and Chelmsford Cathedral
- CSES 2023-2024: Welcome