STAFF from Coleg Llandrillo, Rhyl have inspired hundreds of children from primary and secondary schools after delivering a range of STEM-related workshops, utilising the appeal of virtual reality, 3D printing and robotics.

More than 1,500 pupils from four Rhyl schools took part in three or more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sessions in their own schools.

This was due to the fact that Grŵp Llandrillo Menai – comprising Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor - was awarded £400,000 from the UK Government to deliver STEM-related training through the Community Renewal Fund.

READ MORE:

Tributes to former Abergele teacher who ‘touched the lives of so many’

Denbighshire councillors sign letter urging income tax rise

Couple left devastated as their Prestatyn wedding venue shuts for good

The money received is already being spent on promoting a variety of STEM-related workshops/training sessions in partnerships with schools and the community as a whole.

This is using state-of-the-art specialist equipment: Oculus VR headsets, 3D printing pens, robotics, virtual welding, and an introduction to hybrid and electric vehicles (high schools).

It is also utilising the expertise of staff from Xplore – a science discovery centre based in Wrexham – who showed pupils a planetarium and performed a range of demonstrations relating to rocket science.

To date, four schools – two secondary and two primary - have benefitted from the funding awarded to the college and the expertise of college staff: Rhyl High School, Christ the Word Catholic School, Christchurch County Primary School, and Ysgol Emmanuel.

The workshops follow on from the STEM-themed fun day at the college’s Rhyl campus, which took place in the summer, attracting 1,000 visitors to the campus on Cefndy Road.

Coleg Llandrillo principal Lawrence Wood said: “This project has provided an excellent opportunity to connect school pupils in Rhyl to activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which is essential for the skills required in the future.

“The schools and the college have worked in partnership to make this project a success giving us the foundations to build on for future successful projects.

“The project has been very timely with building well underway for the new engineering centre for excellence at the Rhyl campus.”

The new £12million Centre of Excellence for Engineering on Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus is due to open in 2024.