STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
At Sandringham school, we place a strong emphasis on STEM education throughout our curriculum. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and students will engage with this in all of the sciences, computing, design and technology and mathematics.
We provide a wide variety of opportunities for our students in cross curricular and extracurricular activities to broaden students understanding in these areas and increase students STEM capital. The knowledge and skills developed in the STEM subjects are vital for all students to become creative and informed problem solvers who can thrive in an ever changing job market in the future.
In September 2015, we introduced STEM as a cross curricular focus. We have developed links with outside agencies including; UK Space Agency, Transport for London, Airbus Defense and Space; York University; Engineering Development Trust, GSK and Setpoint Hertfordshire to support our STEM provision.
Mark Allday, Assistant Headteacher oversees the STEM programme and works with a team of incredibly passionate and talented staff to provide significant opportunities for students at the school. In previous years we have contacted Tim Peake on the International Space Station, sent a High Altitude Balloon into near space, and every student involved in planting over 2,000 trees to finish Heartwood Forest. These are just some examples of whole-school STEM activity. There are numerous clubs for students to join and develop their own interests in STEM.
As a result of this work, an increasing number Sandringham students are embarking upon STEM subjects as future careers. We have also worked with the Department for Education and the Institute for Physics on gender balance programmes to ensure that all of our students feel empowered to choose STEM subjects and careers.