Launching the STEAM into ACTION Schools' Challenge

Schools across Derbyshire are now invited to take part in the STEAM into ACTION Schools' Challenge 2026-27 – an exciting creative design and innovation programme that brings together science, technology, engineering, arts and maths through hands-on making.

Open to pupils aged 8–16 (KS2–KS4), the challenge encourages young people to design and build a moving machine with a purpose, using creativity, problem-solving and mostly repurposed materials to bring their ideas to life.

Led by Derbyshire County Council in partnership with Arts Derbyshire, STEAM into ACTION has been developed with industry partners, educators and creative practitioners to help pupils discover how creativity and innovation shape the world around them, while building confidence, practical skills and an understanding of future career opportunities.

Schools registering their interest will receive:

• A free 'Setting the Wheels in Motion' workshop, led by a creative practitioner or industry expert, to inspire ideas and get the challenge underway.

• A creative design and innovation challenge developed with industry partners.

• A downloadable information pack packed with curriculum links, guidance and inspiration.

• Flexible delivery to suit your school, whether as a dedicated STEAM into ACTION Day, across a series of lessons or as an extracurricular club.

The STEAM into ACTION Schools' Challenge has been shaped by a successful pilot project involving five Derbyshire schools, alongside educators, creative practitioners and industry partners.

To discover more about STEAM into ACTION, including the story behind the project, watch the pilot film, download the Schools' Challenge Information Pack and register your school's interest, visit the STEAM into ACTION project page.