Fylde Coast pupils prove they're future engineers during STEM day organised by RAF Charitable Trust
Pupils across the Fylde Coast have enjoyed the rare opporunity of becoming engineers for the day.
Year 8 and Year 9 pupils from three high schools within the Fylde Coast Academy Trust have this week immersed themselves in a full day of STEM activities thanks to the Smallpeice Trust and the RAF Charitable Trust.
Students were challenged to explore the future of space exploration through the construction of their own business, building a stellar lander.
The Royal Air Force and the RAF Charitable Trust have offered just 60 schools across the UK an exciting opportunity to take part in the Road to RIAT: Blast Off STEM Day & competition, delivered by the Smallpeice Trust.
Which schools got involved and what did they get up to?
This week, Armfield Academy, Montgomery Academy and Garstang Academy were fortunate to take part in the full day of activities and develop eight essential life skills, including speaking, teamwork and leadership.
Pupils had to identify a landing site, build prototype landers and develop a brand awareness.
Once teething problems were solved, they had to fully cost and build their final design before testing their model whilst presenting to peers their business pitch.
Staff say they were blown away with how pupils embraced the challenge and the final designs they built.
The trust is now eagerly awaiting to see if any of the pupils’ entries will become regional or national winners.
The six victorious pupils will win tickets for themselves and accompanying adults to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in Gloucestershire on Saturday, July 18 2026 with the students getting to take part in specially arranged STEM activities throughout the day.
Who are the people behind the offer?
The Smallpeice Trust has been inspiring young minds and fuelling a passion for engineering.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) exists to inspire young people from 5 to 25 to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology, and to promote the RAF.
The RAFCT is powered by the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) which in 2025 had more than 175,000 visitors - profits from the show come to The RAFCT to support its objects of inspiring young people across the UK.
What has been aid about the opportunity?
Louise Hall, Head of Science, Armfield Academy said: “We are very grateful to Anthony Rhodes for delivering such an inspiring day full of challenge to our pupils. Pupils have worked with peers to think outside of the box and solve problems that have arisen. It has been delightful to see pupils working on cross curricula themes and having the space to be creative. Pupils have been encouraged to learn from their mistakes, test and evaluate just as real-life engineers would. Within the local area we are fortunate to have many large engineering employers. I hope that today has further enhanced pupil’s understanding of careers in engineering and inspired them to continue studying STEM subjects”.
Anthony Rhodes of The Smallpeice Trust said: “I would like to thank you all and the supportive team for hosting me on behalf of the RAF CT and The Smallpeice Trust at the three schools. I found your students to be courteous, inquisitive, and eager to rise to the STEM challenges we set for them. Having spent a day at each of the schools, I feel proud to say that the STEM companies in your area can be confident there is a raft of capable “Future Engineers” coming through the education system – securing a bright future for the North West and beyond. I am pleased to hear that this week’s events have further enhanced pupils’ understanding of careers in engineering and inspired them to continue studying STEM subjects.”