The Ultimate STEM Challenge helps 9–14-year-olds use their STEM knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills, to tackle topical, real-world challenges. The annual competition receives entries from schools over the UK. It aims to develop science capital, curriculum-linked learning, essential skills and careers awareness, through a set of inspiring and engaging classroom activities that lead to a competition entry. Teachers are provided with everything they need to run a curriculum-linked lesson and to allow students to enter the competition. Prizes are awarded for each age category and range from i-pads in-school live events.
The essential skills icons are included throughout the student-facing lesson presentation and on the careers poster. The presentation contains an initial statement explaining the importance of essential skills and a link to the Skills Builder Universal Framework, so teachers and students can easily access the stages and steps for each skill. The Teacher guide emphasises the importance of developing essential skills, their transferability and importance for future careers.