STEM is the answer

30/04/2025

Wrapped up a fantastic year of Health & Safety training with Chester Uni’s amazing PGCE D&T cohort today!

Today’s session focused on Secondary Core Training—lots of energy, great questions, and really thoughtful discussion around keeping classrooms safe now and in the future.

It’s been such a privilege to deliver sessions across the year, covering:�✔️ Secondary Materials�✔️ High-Risk Woodworking Machinery�✔️ Core Health & Safety

Huge thanks to University of Chester and Leanne Mee for the opportunity to work with your ATs—supporting them to feel confident, capable, and classroom-ready!

30/04/2025

What a way to take a break from revision!

Over two fantastic days during the Easter holiday, students at Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College took part in a fast-paced, high-energy LEGO Robotics competition.

KS3 on day 1 and KS4 &5 on day 2 — the sessions were designed around the FIRST® LEGO® League competition format, condensed into a single day.
No warm-ups, no breaks… just 100% focus, collaboration, and problem-solving. The demand was high, but the students were even higher — rising to the challenge with gracious professionalism, creativity, and determination throughout.

It was inspiring to watch teams dive headfirst into coding, engineering, and critical thinking — and do it all with a smile (well, mostly!). Mega impressed by every single student involved.

Thank you to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for the Masterpiece kit, we made good use of the extra table.

STEM talent: alive and thriving!


iet

20/12/2024

Congratulations to all trainee teachers who have completed their first term 👏

Chester University ATs started and ended the term with H&S training, Secondary Materials and S1HS high risk woodworking machinery. Great working with you all again Leanne, Hannah, Neve & Tom.

Each training course is designed to meet your unique needs, focusing on:

* Project-Based Learning: Providing innovative project ideas for KS3 and KS4.

* Standards Compliance: Ensuring alignment with BS 4163:2021+A1:2022.

* Hands-On Approach: Equipping you with practical strategies to set and uphold high standards in your classrooms.

Here's to continued
success in the terms ahead!

03/10/2024

I had the pleasure of delivering Health & Safety training to two groups of dedicated trainee teachers from Chester University and Holmes Chapel SCITT. Thank you to subject mentors Leanne Mee and Rachel Almond for your invaluable support throughout this process.

It was inspiring to engage with such motivated individuals. Their commitment to fostering safe and effective learning environments was uplifting.

I look forward to hearing/seeing how these future educators will apply the skills and knowledge gained from this training in their classrooms going forward.

02/06/2024

📣Exciting news! After months of hard work I’m thrilled to share that I am now a Registered Design and Technology Health & Safety Consultant! 🎉🛠️

Plus, this summer, get ready for some fun Lego Robotics Days! 🤖🧱 Stay tuned for details!



https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/consultant-directory/consultants/clare-lightowler/

22/02/2024

Two fantastic STEM Days at Tarporley High School with Year 12 & Year 9 last week using Lego Spike Prime and FIRST Lego League🚀 Thank you Mrs Almond & the D&T department for the very warm welcome, I thoroughly enjoyed working with your students over the two days.

Future innovators showcased incredible creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. 👩‍🔬👨‍💻 Kudos to all participants for their outstanding contributions! 🎉🔧

16/02/2024

Wood Turning Lathe (S7HS)

What a team! Kicking off the school hols with H&S training!

This course enabled delegates to acquire H&S accreditation certification through a ‘hands on’ approach using the machinery to complete a simple set of tasks. Tasks included preparing timber, turning between centres, using faceplates and chucks, parallel turning, taper turning, convex turning, concave turning, finishing & parting off. &s

16/02/2024

Congratulations to Year 12 students Tarporley High School who conquered the Lego robotics STEM challenge! 🚀

The focus of the day was challenge, problem solving, strategic thinking, iterative design and STEM careers.

100% would recommend the day to others of the same age.

“Challenging, tough, hard, problems all had solutions”

“Level of challenge varied significantly, it was fun to try all of the different tasks”

“Great, accessible for all abilities”

Here's to inspiring the next generation of innovators! 🌟

04/08/2023

We are registered… are you? 😜

Exciting Announcement!

We are thrilled to announce that team registration for the MASTERPIECE season of FIRST LEGO League is officially open! 🎨

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity, secure your spot today! 👉 https://education.theiet.org/first-lego-league-programmes/challenge/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FLLChallenge

17/07/2023

Kicking off the STEM school trip with a visit to the a fab end to a great year!

15/07/2023

Our Lego Explore STEM Club Virtual Festival was a huge success! Students showcased their coding, teamwork, and ideas. They impressed Demi from the IET and received high praise. Well done to all involved! 👏💡🌐