ST provides a kit comprising some hardware based loosely around Meccano and other metal components, an ARM based controller with input/output and motor control and a control language based on Forth (RoboForth). The kit is being offered free to a limited number of schools initially on a beta test basis. A school team constructs a robotic "something" and when finished with the kit is returned to ST. Feedback from these tests will go into the design of a competition or league.
Although your students can build anything robotic with this kit, for example a moving face or a dancer or a vehicle, here is a video of a robot arm designed, built and programmed by a Nuffield Bursary student.
Any student who participates in the scheme is assured of at least a Crest bronze award.