STEAM in Prep

Science is vital to the world’s future prosperity and continues to change lives. All pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through Themes of Investigation, pupils build up a body of key foundation knowledge, concepts and skills.

Pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation, to think critically and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, investigate, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

They are invited to see themselves as game changers and encouraged to have the confidence and courage to make a difference and solve some of the world’s greatest challenges by using their knowledge, creativity and thinking skills to think outside the box.

We are very fortunate in our well-equipped science laboratory, which complete with Bunsen burners and a wide range of chemicals more commonly found in a secondary school.

Computer Science, Design and Technology, Engineering and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) are embedded in each Theme of Investigation.  STEAM is a vehicle for action and pupils define problems, research and plan solutions, build prototypes, test analyse and refine their ideas on how to make the world a better place and meet the sustainable development goals with technological solutions.

In Prep Computer Science, pupils take part in projects and create exciting cross curricular outcomes that use higher level computing skills. This project based approach to Computing, from our specialist subject teacher, sets us apart from other schools. From creating websites using the HTML language to programming and creating Computer games, from 3D design and printing to robotics, the curriculum is designed to inspire and challenge pupils.

At the heart of each project is enjoyment and the children love learning how to make their ideas come to life through the use of technology. Projects are designed carefully to enable all levels to achieve and to cover the computing aspect of the curriculum as well the basic office, graphic and research skills. We equip St Edward’s pupils excellently for their futures by combining coding, logic, problem solving and experimenting skills; creative, artistic and design skills; functional office and system skills; and cross curricular projects.

Computer Science is taught as a discrete subject but carefully linked to each Theme and often to STEAM. Our high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, how to program and how to put this knowledge and skill to use through their Theme of investigation.

Building on this knowledge and understanding, pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – preparing them for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world. Pupils develop competence in Information and Communication Technology and experience in other areas and learn to apply these skills to other areas of learning. Pupils become digital citizens able to work safely online and ensure the safety of others.

Our use of electronic resources, including hand-held devices, interactive whiteboards, tablets and personal computers allows us to develop the technologically literate generation of both pupils and staff. An e blended learning environment combining e-learning and traditional methods leads to more self-paced and differentiated learning. Pupils and teachers can engage in audio and video conferencing with children in other classrooms and around the world. The use of paper is minimised and multi-sensory learning and differentiation are maximised.