STEM Academy
STEM Academy runs for 5 sessions in the spring term and is aimed at up to 40 pupils in Year 7 and Year 8 attending local state secondary schools.
The STEM course mimics the design and engineering process used by scientists and engineers in industry today, encouraging students to use creative problem-solving to tackle challenges presented to them.
Aims
STEM Academy aims to broaden the experiences and aspirations of local secondary school students, with a focus on science and engineering. Through our interactive sessions designed to stimulate problem-solving, students are encouraged to experiment and enjoy the scientific process; and are shown a window into the typical world of STEM professions.
Through this programme, we hope that students will learn not just skills and knowledge, but also have an increased awareness of STEM careers and what they entail; and through that, increased aspirations.
Resources
STEM Academy is run on-site at Latymer Upper School, using our Science Department facilities and equipment. The sessions are delivered by Latymer teaching and technician staff. The sessions are free to participating students, and the staffing and equipment costs are generously covered by a donor.
Sessions run on five Saturdays in the Spring Term, from 10am-1pm.
Impact
Students are assessed at the end of the programme in an anonymous feedback survey. 72% of participating students completed it, of whom:
- 100% had fun and enjoyed themselves
- 87% had made new friends
- 100% said they had learned new skills and information
- 100% said they were now more happy and confident about science and problem solving
- 91% said they were now more likely to pursue science further at school, or for a career
"I love building the robots in general, and having new friends to develop my social skills! ☺️"
"The staff were really friendly and fun :)) "