Over the summer, children aged 8 to 14 took part in practical robotics, coding, circuits and engineering activities. They used real equipment, developed new skills and worked through increasingly ambitious challenges.
What the Children Actually Did
We packed a lot in. Each day had a different focus, and the children rotated through activities including:
- Building and programming robots
- Coding autonomous drones
- 3D design using TinkerCad, with prints they could take home
- AI and machine learning fundamentals
- Cybersecurity and cryptography challenges
- Electricity and circuits
- Science experiments, including building and launching rockets
- Stop-motion animation
- Creating 3D models with doodler pens
The variety matters. Some children arrived certain they didn’t like “techy stuff” and left having found something that clicked. That’s exactly the point of a programme like this.
What Parents Said
Parent feedback is always the honest measure. We heard things like: children who typically resist holiday clubs were actively excited to attend. Several parents told us their children had started talking about careers in science and engineering for the first time. One parent mentioned their daughter now wants to be a scientist. That kind of shift doesn’t happen from watching a demonstration. It happens when children get to do things themselves.
Why Funded Programmes Matter
Both of these clubs were fully funded through our defence STEM partnerships. The families paid nothing. That’s not a small thing. In communities where the nearest science centre is an hour’s drive away and specialist equipment isn’t in the school budget, access to this kind of provision can be genuinely transformative.
We brought all the equipment: robots, drones, 3D printers, micro:bits, laptops, the lot. Schools and community venues provided the space. It’s a model that works, and we’re looking to expand it further. The important thing is that children in Plymouth and Barrow-in-Furness got exactly the same quality of STEM experience that children in any well-resourced school would receive. Geography shouldn’t determine whether a child gets to program a robot.
What’s Next
If your school or community organisation is interested in hosting a funded STEM workshop, whether during term time or holidays, ask whether a relevant externally funded route is open at the time of enquiry. Eligibility, availability and award are not guaranteed. Get in touch and tell us what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do STEM holiday clubs offer?
A well-planned STEM holiday club gives young people time to explore practical challenges beyond a normal lesson. Robotics, coding, circuits and engineering activities can build confidence, teamwork and problem-solving while keeping the experience active and enjoyable.
What activities do children do at STEM holiday clubs?
Children participate in hands-on activities including building and programming robots, coding challenges, constructing electrical circuits, and engineering design projects. All equipment is provided and sessions are led by DBS-checked STEM instructors.
How can schools access funded STEM programmes?
Funded places may sometimes be available through external partners. Availability changes and a place is not guaranteed. Contact Hyett Education to ask about any suitable option that is open at the time.
