21 October 2009
Youngsters inspired by team building challenge day
Young people from across the region have been putting their team building skills to the test as they took part in a day of challenging activities at the University of Sheffield.
80 Year 10 students from the Sheffield Outreach and access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS) visited the University on 16 October 2009, to take part in the Input Team Building Challenge Day, which aims to strengthen the pupils decision-making and communication skills.
Participants worked with a visiting team of experts from Input and student ambassadors from the University who are currently studying for a degree in medicine.
The presenter from Input introduced the pupils to the principles of engineering behind the creation of various structures such as the Eden Project. Pupils then worked in teams of six with the student ambassadors. They then built their own towers and bridges, made from paper tubes (instead of steel) and connected in almost the same way as real structures.
The finished structures were then judged on the day by University staff and staff from Input and a prize was awarded to the team deemed to produce the most structurally robust tower or bridge.
Sheffield´s Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS), which is run by the University´s Outreach and Access Section, aims to make a career in medicine a real possibility for students from all backgrounds. The scheme offers support and guidance to local Year 9-13 students through an activity-packed programme over five years.
Julie Askew, Outreach Manager at the University of Sheffield, said: "The challenge day is designed to get the students thinking about how they can work together successfully as a team. By giving the students valuable communication attributes, we hope to equip them with the necessary skills needed to succeed in the medical profession. The SOAMS scheme aims to encourage students to raise their aspirations to study medicine and ensures that they are given the motivation and resources to fulfil their potential."
John Allen, Director of Input, said: "The student teams showed a high level of problem-solving and creative skills in working to produce a range of impressive space-frame structures." Notes for Editors: Input is a national organisation which seeks to support the development of the next generation of highly qualified science and technology personnel. It runs a programme of engineering problem solving activities targeted at students, teachers, schools and industry.
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
« Return to news releases
| 
