FutureTech
A Reed’s School Initiative…inspiring tomorrow’s independent thinkers
Our pioneering FutureTech curriculum offers Third Form (Year 9) pupils an exciting gateway into the world of emerging technologies and modern STEM thinking. Designed to extend well beyond traditional classroom boundaries, the programme immerses pupils in hands on, cross curricular learning that builds practical confidence while strengthening creativity, communication, and problem solving.
Pupils explore a diverse range of projects depending on their teaching group. These include coding with Sphero robots, investigating renewable energy engineering, experimenting with 3D design and printing, designing carbon neutral football stadiums, using AI as a research partner, and responding to engineering challenges inspired by disaster relief scenarios.
Each topic encourages pupils to ask bold questions, grow as independent learners, and discover areas of STEM they won’t typically encounter at GCSE or A Level.
The FutureTech Programme:
FutureTech Initiatives
FutureTech Lecture Programme
A regular series of thought-provoking FutureTech Inspire Lectures given by speakers from industry and research aimed at pupils and parents. Particular highlights have included specialists working at the forefront of their fields, such as a talk on the science and ethics of cloning, an inspiring session on life as an airline pilot, and a fascinating exploration into football stadium architecture - from structural innovation to environmental sustainability. Additionally, pupils were captivated by a speaker discussing space travel and the future of human exploration beyond Earth, offering a glimpse into the technologies that may define their futures.
FutureTech Co-Curricular Programme
Standing alongside the curriculum is the co-curriculum which provides pupils with opportunities to develop their STEM skills and interests:
- Robotics Club (junior & senior)
- E-Sports
- 3-D Modelling with Blender
- Python Programming
FutureTech Curriculum
Third Form (Year 9)
As well as providing an exciting and creative learning environment the FutureTech Programme provides a cross-curricular programme for all Third Form pupils which removes the barriers between subjects and encourage interest, skill development and creativity in the areas of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The cross-curricular course involves topics such as:
1. CODING WITH SPHERO
Pupils use the Sphero Edu App to programme robots to solve problems and explore scientific principles through a series of practical challenges. This course allows pupils to progress from using drag-and-drop coding to using JavaScript to write their own code, an invaluable skill in the modern world.
2. USING AI IN SCIENCE
Pupils explore and use different AI platforms to practice using AI for research, project delivery and learning through exploration outside of GCSE Science curriculums, promoting scientific curiosity. They create an informative poster on a scientific topic only using AI for every aspect; Perplexity.AI for research, Bing Image Creator for images, and Canva for poster creation.
3. USING CAMERAS IN SCIENCE
Pupils learn how high-tech cameras (underwater, camera traps and drones) are currently being used in conservation across the world to help monitor and protect species on our planet. They look at how cameras are used within the oceans, local terrestrial habitats and arial surroundings to survey a variety of different ecosystems.
4. DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE STADIUMS
Pupils design sustainable, carbon neutral stadiums. They research new technologies guided by sustainable action plans written by existing companies, helping them find existing techniques to implement in their own stadium plans. Pupils write an application proposal for their stadium and present it in class.
5. 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES
Pupils enjoy technology-focussed sessions involving 3D printing looking at the future of production and additive manufacture. A “concept corner”, created in the FutureTech IT room looks at developing ideas and looking at how modern technologies (including AI) will help bring ideas to life. Pupils then create a key ring (or other product) using these concepts.
6. RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING
Pupils design, build and test a model of a wind turbine and then plan and implement a successful investigation to evaluate the efficiency of their design to understand the advantages and disadvantages of wind as an energy resource. They then make recommendations about the use of wind energy as part of the UK’s future energy strategy.
7. EDT BRONZE INDUSTRIAL CADET AWARD
Pupils work on a range of problem-solving activities in teams, enhancing critical thinking and teamwork skills. They carry out the EDT Bronze Industrial Cadet Award, where they research and create a product to a given specification. They work with industry mentors to understand the bigger picture of problem solving, teamwork and presentation techniques which is submitted and delivered to a panel of experts.
iGCSE Science Curriculum
In the Fourth & Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11) STEM skills and concepts are developed through the IGCSE Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics, and Computer Science Curriculum. All pupils study two or more Science Subjects.
AS/A2 Level Curriculum
Sixth Form pupils (Years 12 and 13) further develop STEM skills and understanding through studying A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics.
There are various competitions and challenges which the Science and Mathematics departments support.
