On Wednesday 22 April, a group of 50 students from Years 7 to 9 took part in an interactive STEM and finance workshop delivered by MetLife and Inspiring Girls.
Across the sessions for each year group, students explored how skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths connect to real-world careers. Through a mix of discussion and hands-on activities, students learned how organisations like MetLife use data, technology and teamwork to tackle everyday challenges and support different communities. A key message throughout was that STEM extends beyond the classroom and incorporates creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.
Students also developed their understanding of money management during a "Guess the Cost" challenge, where they worked in teams to estimate the price of common expenses such as travel, food and subscriptions. This activity encouraged thoughtful discussions around budgeting and financial choices.
A highlight for many was the interactive Q&A session, where students heard directly from professionals working in STEM and Finance. Guests shared their personal journeys and discussed different education routes, helping students see the wide range of pathways open to them.
The day concluded with a practical team challenge. Students designed and built their own version of a 'MetLife Stadium'. This creative task brought together key STEM skills, including planning, communication and teamwork.
The workshops provided an inspiring opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons and begin thinking about future possibilities.
This event marked the start of an exciting partnership between Ark Blake and Inspiring Girls, and we look forward to building on this collaboration to offer more enriching experiences to our students in the future.