Hutton Sixth Form students get real insight into STEM careers through Christmas lecture series
Students at Hutton Sixth Form were given the chance to explore real-world STEM careers this December as part of the STEM Plus Christmas Lectures 2025, welcoming guest speakers from Formula One and global industry.
The three lectures, held on 4th, 11th and 17th December, gave GCSE and A Level students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working at the top of their fields, helping them understand how STEM subjects translate into real careers beyond the classroom.
The first lecture: “Formula One: STEM, Sport or Business?” was delivered by James Allison, Technical Director of the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. He spoke about how Formula One teams operate, from engineering and aerodynamics to business and finance. Reflecting on the talk, Anton B, Year 12 STEM Leader, said:
“The lecture was informative and inspiring, and it really showed us how Formula One is both a high-tech and business-driven industry.”
Anton also highlighted how ideas are tested using AI simulations and how important teamwork and communication are within such large organisations.
The second lecture welcomed Dr John McNally, CEO of Project One (INEOS), for his talk “The Incredible Hulk, Going Green in the Modern World”. Dr McNally spoke about the challenges of producing plastics more sustainably. Monica P, Year 13 STEM Ambassador, described the talk as:
“Incredibly thought-provoking and really helpful in understanding how difficult – but important – it is to develop sustainable solutions for the future.”
Dr McNally explained how global politics, transport routes and environmental responsibility all play a part in major engineering projects.
The final lecture in the series was led by Dr Peter Williams, Group Technology Director at INEOS, whose talk “Ghosting Gas and Oil: It’s More Complicated Than That” looked at energy production, carbon capture and the real challenges of meeting increasing energy demand sustainably. Eleanor A and Molly W-B, Year 12 STEM Ambassadors, reflected:
“The lecture gave us real food for thought about sustainability and showed that the future of energy isn’t simple – it’s about finding balanced, realistic solutions.”
The Christmas Lectures are part of STEM Plus at Hutton Sixth Form, a programme designed to give students opportunities beyond the curriculum. Through mentoring, work experience, conferences and outreach events, students develop confidence, leadership skills and a clearer understanding of STEM pathways.
With more talks and events planned later in the year, the STEM Plus programme continues to give students valuable insight into life beyond sixth form and the wide range of opportunities available within STEM.