Cambridge LaunchPad and The Crown Estate inspire North Cambridge Academy students with real-world STEM Project Day
Cambridge LaunchPad, in partnership with The Crown Estate, delivered an interactive in-school Project Day at North Cambridge Academy, giving students the opportunity to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and the built environment through a real-world development challenge.
The Project Day saw 126 Year 9 students take part in a hands-on STEM activity linked to development planning, community design and the real-world development of Cambridge Business Park. Working in teams, young people were tasked with creating proposals for a future community space, before designing and pitching their ideas to industry professionals and ambassadors from The Crown Estate and Form the Future, which delivers the Cambridge LaunchPad programme.
Students were supported throughout the day by industry volunteers from The Crown Estate and partner organisations including Savills, Studio Egret West, Hoare Lea, AECOM and Arup. These fantastic industry professionals worked alongside the students, sharing expert insight and supporting teams as they developed and presented their ideas.
Hannah Patrick, Community Partnerships Manager at The Crown Estate, commented:
“We were pleased to be able to work with Form the Future and utilise volunteering through our placemaking partners to engage and upskill the young people at North Cambridge Academy, whilst listening to their incredible ideas and suggestions that can impact the way that we design Cambridge Business Park and places for the future.“
Throughout the day, students explored what different careers look like in practice, the skills needed for a wide range of roles, and the variety of education and training pathways available to them. Ambassadors shared their own career journeys, answered questions about working life, and supported students to develop confidence, teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills.
Student proposals showcased a strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing and community connection. Ideas included a solar panel-powered tram system designed to unite the community with affordable, eco-friendly transport, a wellness community centre for children and adults featuring food outlets and play spaces, a community outdoor swimming pool promoting fitness and family activity, and a nature park with a glass library offering green space, eco-tourism opportunities and environmental education.
Student feedback highlighted the impact of the day, with many reporting increased confidence and motivation around future career choices. One student said: “I learnt a lot of presentation skills and had the opportunity to improve my teamwork.” Another commented: “I learnt about how to keep community at the heart of renovation and development.”
One student also reflected on how the day had influenced their next steps, stating:
“I learnt about how to think of creative/potentially useful ideas. I also started thinking about if I would work in this type of workplace in the future.”
Chris Shirley, Chief Programme Officer at Form the Future, said:
“Cambridge LaunchPad is all about helping young people connect what they’re learning in school to real careers and real opportunities. It was fantastic to see students at North Cambridge Academy stepping into the role of consultants to The Crown Estate, sharing thoughtful design principles and creative ideas for community spaces. Their presentations were inspiring and a powerful reminder of how important it is to listen to young voices when shaping the future of our communities.”
Cambridge LaunchPad brings together schools, employers and educators to deliver immersive STEM experiences that raise aspirations, build skills and broaden awareness of future career possibilities for young people across Cambridge and the surrounding region.