Aim high


STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics and is an opportunity for our students to combine their studies in these subjects to solve real-world problems.


An example of this was the Year 9 Drop Down Day on 18th


October. Students


created clinometers, which they used to measure the angles of objects both in school and throughout Oxleas Woods. Students then used these measurements to estimate the objects’ heights by the tangent ratio, which they will study in more detail at the end of the Summer term.


During the afternoon, students explored how to read and create contour lines from Ordinance Survey maps. The day culminated in students creating three-dimensional representations of hills, mountains and valleys; marking contour lines with different coloured card, students were able to illustrate gradual increases in height as we ascend a mountain.


Further to this, a group of 16 students are currently being mentored by the investment bank J.P. Morgan to create products that will benefit society. The group are in the progress of developing


ways to make energy production more efficient in order to reduce pollution in urban environments, like London. The students have just completed their workshop induction, during which they were taught how to use 3-D printers, laser cutters and microbits. They are incredibly excited about using these tools to create working prototypes for their projects later on in the academic year.


These opportunities are encouraging our students to consider future careers in the STEAM sector, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, computer programmers and mathematicians.


Full STEAM Ahead! S


tudents in Year 8 will be taking part in an IET Faraday Challenge Day (FCD) sponsored by Jack Petchey


Foundation. The students will become real-life engineers for a day when they research, design and build solutions to real engineering problems as part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Faraday Challenge Day on 20th


December 2018.


This year’s challenge is in association with the James Webb Space Telescope but the brief for these young engineers has been shrouded in secrecy to avoid unfair preparation and research. Teams will race against the clock to solve a real- life engineering problem, putting their engineering and technology knowledge and skills to the test.


Natalie Clerke, IET Faraday Education Manager, said: “Students who take part in the Faraday Challenge Days this year will experience working as an engineer through hands-on and practical engagement with real-life challenges relating to the James Webb Space Telescope.”


“There is huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we’re confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and inspire the next generation by giving them an insight into the life of a real engineer, the variety a career in engineering can offer and just how exciting and creative engineering is.”


The event will encourage our Year 8 students to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEAM) by using creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.


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