STEAMING Ahead
It has been two years since we launched STEAM at St Faith’s Prep. In that time our children have solved 7 real world problems, built cars powered by electricity, created their own farm shops, grown pumpkins and sweet corn by the barrel load, built hover boats and much more in between. We have welcomed children from other schools to learn alongside us and take advantage of our excellent facilities. It is therefore extremely satisfying and rewarding to be recognised by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) for the success we are having in this area. Last week, we learnt that the ISA (the body that governs independent schools) selected us as finalists for having an Outstanding STEAM Provision. We are now up against two other schools and are waiting to be duly notified of the outcome.
The ISA School Awards commends the outstanding provision that takes place in ISA schools across the country and celebrates the successful outcomes of the pupils within each school’s care. The judges looked at St Faith’s for evidence of innovation and outstanding linked provision in STEAM disciplines, which benefits all pupils. When doing so they found the use of innovative teaching methods, extra-curricular provision and engagement with the wider community to be particularly strong at our school. Whole School STEAM Days set us apart from our competitors and they were particularly impressed with our ‘Lock Down’ STEAM Days too. Our Science Spectacular, commitment to the Nature Garden, mastery Maths approach show exciting and innovative methods being taught at St Faith’s and we are extremely proud to be recognised externally for this.
STEAM is a real team effort at our school, not just within the teaching staff but, our parents too. We are extremely fortunate to have such support when it comes to STEAM. As ever, the real winners here are our children. Who are gaining valuable experience solving problems within small teams. Their learning is hands-on, relevant and allowing them to gain the interpersonal skills they will need when the fly the St Faith’s nest at the end of time here. Their passion, their enjoyment and their learning is what fuels us as educators. Whether we are crowned eventual winners or not, it has been a huge achievement to be recognised for our outstanding provision and whilst it would be great to have yet another award setting in our brimming trophy cabinet, as with everything in STEAM, it is the journey and not necessarily the destination that is important. We look forward to letting you know the outcome. For now keep STEAMING on!