At RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford, Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in hands-on robotics and coding activities alongside the wider Forces in STEM event programme.
What the Day Looked Like
Forces in STEM brings together companies, universities, and organisations from across the Midlands to showcase real-world STEM innovation. Students rotated through different stands and activities, and our station focused on robotics coding: programming robots to complete challenges that tested sequencing, logic, and persistence.
What works about this format is the sheer variety. In one day, a student might code a robot with us, look inside an aircraft engine, talk to an actual aerospace engineer, and watch a live science show. That breadth of exposure is almost impossible to replicate in a single school visit.
Why the Event Works for Pupils
Events that bring schools, employers and STEM providers together can give pupils access to specialist equipment, real-world contexts and several different activities in one visit. The venue and range of contributors helped make the day memorable.
Meeting engineers, educators and other STEM professionals helps pupils connect classroom subjects with real roles and organisations. That wider context can make the learning feel more purposeful.
Why Free Events Matter
We talk a lot about access in STEM education, and events like this are where the principle becomes practice. The schools that attend Forces in STEM often serve communities where the enrichment budget is tight and specialist STEM provision is thin on the ground. A free, high-quality event removes every barrier except getting on the coach.
If your school is in the Midlands and you haven’t attended before, check the event organiser’s current information before making plans. If you’re interested in a funded workshop, ask whether a relevant externally funded route is open at the time of enquiry; eligibility, availability and award are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forces in STEM programme?
Forces in STEM is an outreach programme that brings STEM experiences to service families and local communities through events at military locations. Hyett Education delivered robotics and coding workshops at RAF Museum Midlands (Cosford) as part of this initiative.
What did Hyett Education deliver at the event?
Hyett Education delivered hands-on robotics and coding activities for participating pupils. Funded places may sometimes be available through external partners, but availability changes and a place is not guaranteed.
Are Forces in STEM events free for attendees?
Yes. Forces in STEM events are fully funded and free for all attendees. They are open to service families and the wider local community, removing financial barriers to high-quality STEM enrichment.
