AS a keen promoter of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, Alton College has been particularly proud of the achievement of its students in the field of space and technology, chemistry and biology.

Science student, Kate Willett, who previously studied at The Petersfield School, was one of 300 students across the world to attend a special leadership course at the US Space and Rocket Centre, while chemistry students are helping shape the future of higher education science teaching and biology students have had their research published.

Kate, who is studying biology, chemistry, physics and maths at Alton College, participated in the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Albama, where this unique leadership programme attracted students from 38 countries and 33 US states and is a scholarship course which promotes STEM education and effective leadership skills.

The programme is run by Honeywell for children aged 16 to 18, using interactive technology, science-orientated workshops and team exercises to teach leaderships skills in STEM subjects. Workshops are run by scientists, engineers and former astronauts, leading hands-on challenges and team-building exercises and sharing their first-hand professional experiences.

On her return from the United States, Kate said: “It was an amazing experience as we got to take part in a range of activities including building rockets, completing a shuttle mission, using air-force fighter jet simulators, planning emergency aid situations, experiencing three times normal G force, and various team-building exercises.

“There were students from more than 30 different countries present which meant we all learned a lot about differing cultural views and lifestyles.

“The programme has definitely helped me to become more confident in my own ability as a leader, and I am now more aware of how to work in an international setting.

“In the future I’d like to study biomedical science and the trip taught me about communicating with both large and small teams, and the importance of being able to do this in professional environment.”

She added: “I enjoyed the experience so much that I hope to apply to be a mentor for next year’s Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy.”

Kate is using the programme as the residential section of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and her team leader, Andy McCoy, wrote a short report about her work during the week.

“Kate attended Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy as a member of Team Endurance. She has shown exemplary leadership skills, and performed all activities with diplomacy and tact. As the commander of the shuttle mission she was able to calmly solve all anomalies that were thrown at her, during the rocketry challenge she helped build a rocket to strict specifications, and she was a standout leader during the week.

“It was an honour to have her on Team Endurance and I know that she will do great things in the future,” the report stated.

STEM subjects are actively encouraged and promoted at Alton College. In 2013 a group of students fundraised and worked on a marine biology expedition and their hard work has been recently acknowledged in a science research paper from a Manatee research team in Cuba which has been recently published in the journal Oryx.

Alton College also maintains active links to STEM in higher education. The chemistry department is one of a small number of schools and colleges chosen to work with Southampton Chemical Education Research group at the University of Southampton on an innovative research project to improve the future teaching of organic chemistry.