Where Next?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, and at its core, it is about taking an independent, pupil-led approach to solving complex real-world problems using STEAM subjects. It is not, as often believed, about delivering each subject as separate entities. We ask our students to develop a culture of innovation and risk-taking, who are able to look back on their work and build resilience moving forwards.
The STEAM core values include:
- Independent learning
- Problem-solving
- Drawing on past (and knowing how to seek) knowledge
- Inquiry-based approach
- Communication skills
- Ability to take an open-minded approach.
- Developing the confidence to pursue evaluated risk
- Reflecting on past experiences to inform future decisions.
These values reflect those of the IB learner profile and are designed to better equip our students for a career in the 21st century, where the emphasis is less upon knowledge and more about aptitude. In a world where one can ‘Google’ a question - we need a focus on how to use this seemingly never-ending source of information and data to produce tangible results.
STEAM now has an undeniable presence in the education landscape, and as a result, its importance is becoming increasingly recognised by universities and businesses. It is imperative that we provide a framework from which STEAM can operate in order to better equip our students studying STEAM subjects with the aptitude and understanding they need as they move forwards through school and into their careers.
STEAM at Brentwood School is increasing its breadth rapidly. We hope that our approach will inspire students – both by working on the foundations of STEAM through examining the curriculum to streamline subject content and offering exciting and inspiring co-curricular projects such as our attempts to build the world's fastest model rocket-powered car.
Current STEAM Initiatives
- The CREST award scheme
A nationwide scheme to encourage students to develop independence and investigative skills being rolled out to all year groups. - World's fasted rocket powered car.
Brentwood aim to beat the current world record for a rocket powered vehicle (currently held by another school) which will be attempted by a range of year groups. - VEX Robotics competition
The world's largest robotics competition for schools in which pupils have to design a robot in order to achieve a specific task. - Lego Mindstorms
Learn how to program and control small robotics vehicles to navigate a series of obstacles. - Engineering Society
A club for Sixth Form students interested in careers in engineering run by the Sixth Form. - Extreme Robots team
A team of pupils who compete across the UK in the Extreme Robots competitions and events. - Presentation at Kings College London
Pupils presented to Kings College London on their STEAM learning to a panel of esteemed academics from across the UK - Kings College Research
In partnership with Kings College London we are investigating the effects of an integrated STEAM approach on pupils. - Presentation to Royal Academy of Engineering
Pupils have been asked to present to teachers from across the UK on how they go about independent investigation and approach to STEAM Projects. - STEAM Day at Havering College
A competition held each year for Year 8 and Year 9 students. - Work Experience
We work with a number of UK businesses who are willing to offer work experience opportunities to our students. - Robot Wars
The Brentwood School Robotics team featured in BBC Two’s Robot Wars on Sunday, 19th March 2017. In the first series where teams from schools have taken part, the Brentwood School Robot Wars team, made up of pupils studying Design Technology, Physics and Mathematics, were put up against some of the UK’s finest engineers.
