Robotics engineer inspires Lynn students

Budding scientists, engineers and mathematicians at a Lynn school were inspired when they met the head of a leading robotics company, who joined them to celebrate their successes.

The CEO of Ocado Intelligent Automation, Mark Richardson, was guest speaker at Springwood High School’s STEM Celebration this year, where students from Years 7 to 13 were recognised for their outstanding achievements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

Mr Richardson, who is an alumnus of the school, told his audience how he had studied physics at University College London before beginning a career as a software developer at the John Lewis Partnership, which led to him creating the first shopping website for Waitrose. He eventually became Chief Operating Officer at Ocado, before taking on his current role at Ocado Intelligent Automation, which creates and sells advanced robotics to companies around the globe.

“During the evening, we awarded well over 100 certificates to students in Key Stages 3 and 4 in all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” said Victoria Mann, who is STEM Leader and Head of Year 11 at the school and organised the event. 

“We also enjoyed the company of our Sixth Form STEM students, who joined us to make the most of the lessons provided by our guest speaker.

“Certificates were awarded for projects linked to the European Space Agency, the Science of Flight in conjunction with Rolls Royce at RAF Marham, independently designed projects supported and judged by engineers at Palm Paper, from the National Robotarium, and for Faraday Challenge participants from the Institute of Engineering and Technology.”

Other high achievers lauded during the event included Year 8 student Angela Cerina, who won the Regional stage of the Leaders Award ‘If You Were an Engineer What Would You Do’ competition, along with Springwood’s two engineering teams, who were the only ones in Norfolk to enter this year’s CANSAT contest to build a working satellite the size of a drink can.

The entire Year 9 cohort was recognised for gaining a Bronze Crest Award, while STEM Leader prizes were given to students demonstrating outstanding commitment to the STEM programme at Springwood, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Students at Springwood are offered a rich curriculum in all areas of STEM, and we have now fully embedded the Bronze Crest Award into our Year 8 science curriculum,” continued Mrs Mann. “And we regularly integrate other additional STEM opportunities into our teaching year. For example, this year all of Year 7 also built CO2-powered rocket cars in collaboration between the Science, Technology and Mathematics Departments.

“As we continue to build outstanding careers provision, evenings like this also allow students from Year 7 to 13 to directly interact with employers and inspirational leaders in STEM fields.”

Acknowledging the importance of the school’s links with businesses in the area, this year’s celebration introduced some new accolades.

“Alongside acknowledging students’ achievements from the last academic year, we were delighted to also present our first Employer Engagement Awards to Palm Paper and the Rolls Royce jet engine engineers at RAF Marham,” added Mrs Mann.

“This is an annual event, specifically focused on the STEM achievements of our students. It offers an opportunity to highlight the huge array of work Springwood does to develop students’ skills and wider knowledge in STEM areas, promotes STEM careers, and builds links with local businesses. 

“Events like these recognise student achievement and efforts both in and out of the classroom. It helps us engage parents in conversations about all that we are able to offer students above and beyond the National Curriculum.

“We pride ourselves as an award-winning STEM club, giving students a wide range of experiences that enrich their time at Springwood.”​