Seven Sixth Formers had the opportunity to take part in a STEM/Engineering Day at Dulwich College. Organised by two Dulwich Year 13 students as part of Black History Month, the event focused on the theme of Collaboration, bringing together students from five local schools to work alongside one another.

The morning began with a hands-on build project, creating a super soaker, which combined creativity, drilling skills, and a bit of water-powered fun! This was followed by a Sustainability Challenge, facilitated by Kenya Umanah from the Association of Black and Minority Engineers. Our students excelled, with two Sydenham teams winning for their innovative sustainable shoe designs — one that charged a power bank and another that converted flats into high heels.

Students also benefited from insights shared by outreach representatives from the African Caribbean Society at Imperial College London, who spoke about studying at Imperial and tested pupils on their engineering and mathematical problem-solving skills. After a networking lunch, the day concluded with keynote speakers George Okorie from Be UK, who discussed the challenges of transitioning a successful African FinTech company to the UK, and Zainab Adigun, a Structural Engineer at Bell Frischman, who spoke eloquently about the obstacles she has faced as a Black woman in engineering. In the UK, only around 30% of engineering employees are women, and just 2% are Black women, highlighting the significance of her achievements.

The day truly embodied the theme of Collaboration, with students working together, being challenged, learning, and feeling inspired. As George Okorie said, quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” We are grateful to Dulwich College for extending this wonderful opportunity to our students.

Ms Nicky Stoney, Head of Futures