STEM Learning

Although knowledge and skills within these individual subjects are taught explicitly, we strive to make links between the STEM subjects wherever possible to develop an understanding of how these subjects are applied in the real world.

The children use their knowledge of scientific concepts to inform their design ideas when undertaking engineering projects e.g Year 4 designed and made some amazing burglar alarms to protect the crown jewels using their knowledge of electrical circuits, conductors and insulators!

Our annual STEM weeks and whole school competition provide children with the opportunities to showcase their engineering talents!

Science

Science Progression document

Below are some useful websites for children enthusiastic about science:

• www.sciencenewsforkids.org
• www.enchantedlearning.com
• www.sciencekids.co.nz
• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science

Design and Technology

Work in the area of Design and Technology, including Information Technology, is undertaken throughout the school in both cross-curricular and subject-based work. The Design and Technology lessons and curriculum aim to broaden the pupils’ understanding of technology and its uses, whilst giving them the chance to explore a range of materials and their properties. We provide our pupils with opportunities to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. They are taught to test and evaluate these products and, if appropriate, redesign them in the light of what they have discovered. Materials as diverse as wood, paper, card, cooking ingredients, sewing materials and commercial construction kits are in use.

In Key Stage 1 the children work on the design and make projects involving textiles, cooking and nutrition, mechanisms and structures.

In Key Stage 2 the children work on the design and make projects involving electrical systems, mechanical systems, structures, cooking and nutrition and textiles. We hope that through evaluation of past and present Design and Technology, the children develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

Design and Technology Progression

Useful websites

• http://www.wildginger.com/ – textile and fashion design sewing pattern software
• http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/– cooking and nutrition website
• http://www.hyperstaffs.info/work/physics/Muirhead/website/main.htm

Cook School

We are fortunate to have an amazing facility with our Cook School. Sessions are made available for all children from Pre -School to Year 6, both in the Cook School itself or whole class sessions in the classrooms.The recipes that are chosen for any particular year group are usually linked to their classroom topic, adding to their learning and helping to bring the subject alive. There is always the encouragement for children to try new foods and flavours and there is an emphasis on healthy eating, food seasonality and where food comes from. The children really enjoy their Cook School sessions and are incredibly proud when they take their food home.