Our Year 8 students recently had an exciting opportunity to step into the world of cutting-edge technology during a special visit to MIRA Tech Park, one of the UK’s leading centres for engineering and innovation. The trip formed part of ongoing discussions to establish a dedicated AI Awareness Session for young learners, designed to inspire the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and technological pioneers.

The proposed programme was a three-hour immersive event, giving students a chance not only to hear about artificial intelligence but to see it in action. The day included a series of short talks delivered by industry experts, followed by hands-on rotations around several workstations. These stations will showcase real examples of how AI is used across different sectors from automotive engineering and robotics to data analysis and safety testing.

During the visit, our Year 8s gained an early glimpse of what such an experience will look like. Students were fascinated to discover how AI supports autonomous vehicle development, improves road safety, and helps engineers solve complex challenges more efficiently. 

Teachers accompanying the group were impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity Year 8 showed throughout the visit. Students asked thoughtful questions, engaged keenly with the demonstrations, and left with a clearer understanding of the exciting and rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

We look forward to continuing our work with MIRA Tech Park as we develop this AI Awareness event. It promises to be a brilliant opportunity to broaden students’ horizons and help them see how the skills they are building in school connect to the real world.

A huge well done to Year 8 for representing our school so brilliantly we can’t wait to see where their curiosity takes them next!