Students inspired by STEM on visit to Birmingham’s ThinkTank Museum

Students from Years 9 to 13 recently enjoyed an enriching visit to the ThinkTank Science Museum in Birmingham, where they explored a wide range of interactive STEM exhibits and participated in a specialist space‑themed workshop in the Planetarium.

The trip aimed to deepen students’ enthusiasm for science, engineering and space exploration, while also helping them appreciate the technological innovations developed within the West Midlands region.

A highlight of the day was the immersive Planetarium experience, which brought current space science and astronomy to life in a memorable way. Students also spent time engaging with hands‑on exhibits across the museum, from operating a flight simulator to programming a humanoid robot.

There were personal highlights too. One keen motorcycle enthusiast was particularly excited to discover an original 1955 BSA motorcycle on display, similar to the one they are currently restoring. Meanwhile, several aspiring engineers enjoyed a discussion with one of the museum’s military historians about the engineering behind the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft.

Visits like this play an important role in helping students connect the Mathematics and Physics they study across Key Stages 3–5 with real world applications, while also inspiring them to consider future pathways and careers in STEM fields.

To learn more about the curriculum at St Michael Abbey School, click here.