STEMdrones - Drone Coding Workshop
Take STEM learning to new heights with this hands-on drone coding workshop.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Take STEM learning to new heights with this hands-on drone coding workshop. Students from Year 7 to 13 (S1–S5) will learn to code flight patterns using Swift (the same text-based technology used to develop apps on iPhone and iPad), developing real-world computing skills whilst piloting drones through custom challenges.
Students will provide algorithms to their drone to make it take-off, land, do flips and rolls; as well as navigate different altitudes and distances to make its way safely around a course or perform a coordinated routine - all whilst exploring computing curriculum objectives, including sequencing, selection, repetition, and debugging.
Workshop formats
- Taster (4×60min): Up to 120 students/day (groups of 3)
- Standard (3×75–90min): Up to 90 students/day
- Advanced (2×2hr): Up to 60 students/day with deeper coding challenges
Requirements
A hall space and access to a screen/projector. All equipment provided.
Curriculum links
Mapped to KS3–KS4 Computing, including GCSE Computer Science. Swift coding used to meet text-based programming objectives.
Inclusive delivery
Sessions are adapted for all learners, including SEN. Facilitators tailor content to suit group needs and ensure every student is supported and engaged.
Why book?
- Inspires interest in STEM careers
- Builds confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Delivered by expert instructors with real-world experience
Booking info
Sessions are tailored to your school day. All equipment provided. Pricing starts at £797 per day, ex VAT.
Available across England, Scotland and Wales.
Fully-funded opportunities: Thanks to the provider's partnerships with the Royal Air Force and Defence Nuclear Enterprise, eligible schools can benefit from fully-funded STEM workshops. Complete this form to find out if you're eligible.
Testimonial
“Our students were thrilled—coding drones boosted their confidence and engagement. Staff were envious they couldn’t join in!”
- UK Secondary School
"The Drone Coding Workshop with Years 7, 8, and 9 last Friday was huge success. The girls were fascinated by the mix of coding and real-world application, and the thrill of seeing drones respond to their commands was just priceless. It was a brilliant combination of fun, teamwork, and problem-solving – they are still talking about it days later. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you once again for giving our students such memorable and valuable experiences."
- St Nicholas' School, Fleet, Hampshire
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Engineering
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Physics: Electricity
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Group size
- Small groups, Whole class, Whole year group
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Whole day
- Cost
- Cost may apply
- Location
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In-school
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
