Welcome to the Land, Sea and Air Project—an inspiring STEM initiative developed by STEMunity and proudly funded by STEM Learning. Officially launched in 2024, this dynamic programme brings together students from five Portsmouth schools: Admiral Lord Nelson School, The Portsmouth Academy, Miltoncross Academy, Trafalgar School, and Redwood Park Academy. Our mission is to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) through engaging, hands-on experiences.

During our launch event, students took part in a variety of exciting activities, guided by industry experts and STEM Ambassadors. They explored boat design inspired by HMS Oardacious—the renowned rowing boat that successfully crossed the Atlantic—which was specially brought to the school to inspire creativity. Students also enjoyed hands-on drone flying sessions delivered by The Drone Rules, experiencing the thrill of piloting advanced technology. Additionally, participants engaged in exhilarating race car design and driving activities facilitated by RC Vision, blending engineering skills with practical racing excitement.

We were delighted to have STEM Ambassadors from esteemed organisations such as BAE Systems, the National Coast Guard Technology Team, and local maritime recruitment specialist Sarah Roads from SLR Recruitment, who all contributed their invaluable expertise and insights. Join us in empowering the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and STEM leaders.

Following this, we collaborated closely with teachers and students at The Portsmouth Academy and the education team at the Watercress Line to deliver an exciting ‘STEAM’ project, celebrating STEM and marking the 200-year anniversary of UK rail travel. Our brilliant film team, Carmann Creative, helped us craft vibrant engagement videos in a distinctive Wes Anderson style. This project allowed us to reflect on technological advances in travel and their significant impact on society and daily life, inspiring students to connect historical innovations with future possibilities and imagine their roles as the next generation of innovators and STEM leaders.

Students from The Portsmouth Academy took part in an inspiring literary project to mark the 200-year anniversary of rail travel in the UK. Guided by their English department, students explored the rich history and significance of railways through poetry, producing imaginative and thoughtful poems that captured both the spirit and legacy of rail travel. Their creative journey culminated in a memorable performance at the historic and picturesque Ropley Station on the Watercress Line, providing an evocative backdrop. This poetic exploration beautifully combined creativity with heritage, celebrating the enduring influence of rail technology and inspiring students as future innovators and storytellers.

Students spent a rewarding day at Ropley Station alongside dedicated volunteers, diving deep into how science and engineering underpin the heritage and conservation of the railway. Through insightful interviews, they uncovered fascinating details about the technical skills and scientific principles vital to preserving historic trains and tracks. The passionate and knowledgeable volunteers generously shared their expertise, making the learning experience engaging and meaningful. Inspired by their enthusiasm, the students excelled at capturing these stories, producing thoughtful and compelling interviews that beautifully highlighted the volunteers’ commitment. This authentic interaction allowed students to appreciate the essential role STEM plays in heritage conservation.

The final stage of the project saw students creatively using a 360-degree camera to produce an immersive virtual tour of Ropley Station, highlighting its rich history and significance. This interactive experience allows viewers to explore the station from every angle, stepping into the world of heritage railways through the students’ eyes. To fully enjoy this innovative experience, click the YouTube link button below and access it via the YouTube app on your handheld device, such as a phone or tablet. Move your device around to discover the station, engage with history, and appreciate the students’ outstanding storytelling and creativity.

The next exciting stage of this project will see students in Portsmouth taking to the skies as they learn drone-flying skills with Will Arinze and Bryanna Bone from The Drone Rules and Drone City. This programme marks the conclusion of our current funding from STEM Learning, and we’re now actively exploring future opportunities to expand and continue this impactful initiative. If you’re interested in supporting, funding, or participating in future stages of this inspiring programme, please contact us at laura@stemunity.co.uk. A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated partners, STEM ambassadors, and educators who’ve made this project such a success.