Launchpad STEM

05/10/2026

Calling all home ed families! Registration is now open for the next block of our Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3+ STEM classes at The Media Centre in Huddersfield.

Here's a glimpse into our sessions to see what joyful, hands-on learning looks like in action!

If your child loves learning through play, exploration and creativity, join our growing and supportive community - no experience necessary!

Due to overwhelming demand, we now offer multiple slots for each age group, including a dedicated session for 13+ girls (all other slots are mixed). See below:

Key Stage 2 (7-11 years):
Mondays, 10-11:30
Mondays 11:40-1:10
Wednesdays, 10-11:30

Key Stage 3+ (13+ years):
Fridays, 10-11:30
Fridays, 11:40-1:10 (Girls' Club)

New families can select the trial option, giving you the chance to cancel after the first session with no further commitment.

Register here: https://activities.bookpebble.co.uk/supplier/launchpad-stem-30d545dc-8fed-41e5-971d-0bae918bcc63

02/10/2026

29/09/2026

STEM club pupils at Copley Primary School had fun coding their VEX Robotics AIM robots to move at different angles, squeezing through paths and avoiding obstacles. They also had to estimate the distances along the way and continually tweak their code in response to tests. Great problem-solving, perseverance and collaboration, as always. Great fun too!

24/09/2026

STEM club pupils at Copley Primary School had fun creating these roller coasters with Strawbees - but it was a lot harder than they first realised!

They applied scientific principles and learnt to build a variety of different structures and mechanisms. These included adjustable pyramids. But most of all, they learnt to work collaboratively, solve problems and demonstrate amazing perseverance!

21/09/2026

So great to see Karen and her home ed pupils having a blast with STEM!

Karen has been leading our Key Stage 2 STEM class for home ed pupils on Wednesdays (12:30-2 PM) at The Media Centre in Huddersfield and the feedback has been amazing!

This was never in doubt - Karen and I plan together, bounce ideas around and share the same values around learning that is joyful, inclusive and hands-on.

There are still a few places available in her class. Follow the link below to register or DM if you have any questions.

https://bookthatin.com/link/JVL05I

16/09/2026

Over twenty years since I was last here - it's lovely to be back at Honley High School!

I'm working with the ARP team (additionally resourced provision) to offer weekly STEM workshops. We kicked things off this morning and had so much fun together! The pupils did brilliantly and I'm really excited for upcoming sessions as I get to know them better.

Every corner of this campus holds special memories for me. Now it's time to make some new ones for the next generation!

14/09/2026

Who knew mechanical engineering could look this beautiful? ⚙️🖌️

Our home ed pupils built their own spirographs using VEX Robotics to explore how gears, motion and colour come together to create geometric art.

They were amazed to see how changing simple gear ratios created different patterns.

This is what happens when gear mechanics meets creative expression! So much fun!

13/09/2026

Check out this quidditch game that one of our pupils made. It looks particularly good on the new Arcade Pro from ELECFREAKS! Look closely to see how Voldemort is stalking Harry around the pitch!

He coded this using MakeCode Arcade and then downloaded it to his micro:bit to plug directly into the Arcade Pro like a game cartridge.

Designing and coding video games is such a fun way to practise coding in a creative way while leaning into pupils' unique interests. Even better when they have a great device to play on!

09/09/2026

Remixing classroom expectations! Who knew they could sound this good?

Across Key Stage 2 at Copley Primary School, we kicked off our year of computing by discussing expectations and co-creating agreements. The pupils made connections to the school's established rules and values... but we added a creative twist!

They recorded the expectations (often in funny voices!) using the audio sampler app, then triggered these using Makey Makey and conductive touchpads. The pupils became little DJs as they remixed the rules and added cool beats!