For several years Windrush Valley Private School Oxfordshire has led the way in STEM education for girls and boys. Never satisfied with resting on its laurels, today, the school announces an ambitious plan to become one of Oxfordshire’s leading private primary schools for STEM education.
All pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 will participate in various STEM projects and have the option to join weekly after school STEM clubs. The long-term plan includes enhancing its curriculum to deliver a combination of theory and hands on practical activities and assignments for all pupils, not just those who choose to join an after-school activity. This will ensure Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths is fun, inspiring and engaging. As a result, pupils will apply skills and knowledge to science, design, technology, mathematics and digital technology in creative and innovative ways.
STEM Projects examples
As part of its plan, Windrush Valley Private School Oxfordshire will introduce short-term and long-term STEM projects. These projects are designed to produce advanced communications, problem solving and leaderships skills. Examples include:
- Design and make a floating pirate ship (Foundation and Early Years)
- Design and make an aluminium Eiffel Tower (Year 1)
- Design and make a garden to grow a radish from seed to harvest (Year 2)
- Design and make a miniature golf course to illustrate different types of forces (Year 2)
- Design and make a hanging ornament by turning milk into plastic (Year 3)
- Design and make a model volcano village to show the effects of lava flow (Year 4)
- Design and make your own healthy fruit yoghurt (Year 4]
- Design and make a gas-powered boat (Year 5)
- Design and create a drought-tolerant garden (Year 6)
What is STEM education?
STEM education is a term used that teaches the academic foundations of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and the interconnected nature of these subjects. Science, design and technology play an increasing role in all our lives. Therefore, it is important for children to learn STEM principles, knowledge and skills from an early age.
What are the benefits of STEM education?
- It teaches the skills of problem solving, creativity and the practical implementation of ideas
- Teamwork, collaboration, communication and leadership
- Encourages experimentation, research and evaluation
- Encourages the use of technology and its role in driving innovation
- It introduces practical application to learning
- Supports the importance of broad cross-curriculum learning
- Builds resilience and confidence
- It makes science and maths fun and engaging
Amanda Douglas, Headteacher, commented, “Not content with Windrush Valley School being ranked as the Best Private School in Oxfordshire, we also want to make the school one of Oxfordshire’s leading private primary schools for STEM education”.
“It’s an exciting challenge that we’ve set ourselves, but I’m confident that in true Windrush Valley tradition, teachers and pupils will rise to the challenge and achieve our objectives”.