What is STEAM?
STEAM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in five specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.
We run an award-winning STEAM program at Shaftesbury School and have established links with STEAM industry companies that include: Epson, Satig and Atlas Electronics. STEAM trips in 2018/19 included; Thorpe Park, Big Bang, BETT London and Arts Award. Trips and visits planned for 2019/20 include; Airbus, Thorpe Park, BETT London, Atlas and Cornwall (Eden Project, Hangloose & Goonhilly Space station).
How does my child get involved?
All students in years 7 to 11 have the opportunity to access STEAM-themed lectures throughout the year. We book guest speakers from the STEAM industry to work with and inspire our learners. This year Ian Dunne from Science Magic and BBC Wildlife Filmmaker James Brickell have run workshops.
In May, we hold annual STEAM interviews. Applications are open to all students and we interview everyone that applies. Applicants are required to complete four tasks which vary from team-based tasks to individual problem-solving activities. At the end of the process, our panel of judges selects 16 students to become STEAM ambassadors.
Who are the STEAM ambassadors?
STEAM ambassadors are selected from the annual interview process. Students work on the CREST Awards and plan projects in teams to present their ideas at the annual Big Bang STEM competitions.
To gain an insight into last year’s projects (2018) and the new five projects (2019) check this link: https://educationalhipsters.com/2019/05/30/steam-planned-projects-2019-2020/
Steam ambassadors can work on CREST Silver (30 hours) and CREST Gold (70 hours) awards. The idea is that they work on their projects which have a specific STEAM focus. The Big Bang competitions run in March and June of each academic year. Students present their STEAM projects to an expert panel of judges from the STEAM industry.
In March 2019 students presented 4 projects at the Big Bang Dorset competition. All four projects won and the teams qualified for the Big Bang South West round which took place in Exeter.
How do I find out more information about CREST?
This link details the CREST awards https://www.crestawards.org
