STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
At Sandringham, we place a strong emphasis on STEM education throughout our curriculum. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; students will engage with this in all of the sciences, computing, design & technology and mathematics.
We provide a wide variety of opportunities for our students in cross curricular and extracurricular activities, in order to broaden their understanding in these areas and increase their STEM capital. The knowledge and skills developed in the STEM subjects are vital for all students, enabling them 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.
In previous years, we have contacted Tim Peake on the International Space Station, sent a High Altitude Balloon into near space and involved every student 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 of 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.