Children from Chilton Primary School in Ramsgate are steaming ahead when it comes to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths.
Known as STEAM, the subjects are among the core building blocks of the school’s curriculum – and Year 5 pupils could not wait to explore further at a special series of secondary education workshops at the town’s Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School.
The STEAM taster sessions allowed students to develop a range of skills whilst improving their own understanding of the subjects.
Pupils had the opportunity to make a fortune in Science during the ‘panning for gold’ activity, bake a scrumptious apple and cinnamon rock cake in the high-tech ‘Master-Chef’ style Food Technology room, develop their artistic skills whilst screen printing their own t-shirt, and create a cool, metallic key ring with the Product Design team.
Assistant Head Teacher Matthew Lamprell said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Chilton children to experience and gain a flavour of secondary school life, not only activity-based, but within the classroom environment as well.
“It was lovely to see the children enthused and enjoying what was on offer and for some to have the chance to step out of their comfort zone and try something new – we certainly have some future chefs and artists amongst our Year 5 cohort.”
Chilton Head of School Kate Law said: “The learning of STEAM subjects are important to us at Chilton, and the chance to expand their horizons as part of a valuable immersion in secondary education was valuable.
“The STEAM subjects affect our daily lives, our communities and globally too. We use real-life situations and examples to explore STEAM-related concepts that engage our pupils who can develop a passion for the subjects as their educational journey continues and expands.”
STEAM education is also regarded as helping to bridge the gender and ethnic gaps found in some of its core fields internationally, such as Science and Maths.
Mrs Law added: “We are equipping our children for the fast evolving information-based highly technological society that is central to all our lives.
“The STEAM approach is aimed at guiding our children to make inquiries, use dialogue and critical thinking as part of their learning experience.”