Pupils with an interest in engineering have the time and the opportunities to test their ambitions to the full at King’s.

From year 6, prospective pupils and those making the transition to King’s School have the opportunity to experience engineering through a range of fun-activities including building and testing motorised buggies.

“Designed with the intention of giving pupils a flavour of some of the extracurricular activities on offer at King's, the taster sessions are a great introduction to engineering and often result in pupils signing up for Robotics Club when they start Senior School,”

said Ian Robinson, who is physics teacher at King’s School.

Open to pupils in years 7 to 9, Robotics Club enables pupils to build and program their own autonomous robots to carry out a series of tasks using Lego NXT kit.

“At King’s we try to stimulate an early interest in engineering through a range of activities. As pupils progress through the School, activities become more challenging with some pupils now having a career in engineering firmly in their sights,” said Mr Lummas, CDT teacher at King’s School.

In year 10 pupils can take part in the National 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge. Launched with the intention of offering young people an insight into what it takes to become an engineer, the project stimulates interest and enthusiasm in; science, technology, engineering and maths through practical 'hands on' experience.

Four King’s pupils – Daniel Austin, James Green, Nathan Moss and James Simpson – formed team ‘Xcel 4’ back in 2012 and took on the challenge to design and build a radio controlled 4-wheel-drive vehicle so they could compete in the national competition.

Xcel 4 took part in the Central Area Heat at JCB World Headquarters, Stafford in February. After a number of closely contested rounds Xcel 4 won their category and a place in the national final at the Big Bang Fair, London, in the middle of March.

“It is a great achievement for Xcel 4 to have won through to the National Final of the 4x4 In Schools Challenge. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and commitment to developing a first-class vehicle,” said Mr Lummas.