This half term, the Junior School have been celebrating all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Pupils have been engaged with a variety of events such as the House STEM Expo challenge and classroom activities dedicated to the exploration of STEM subjects.
To kickstart the week, over 115 pupils took part in the STEM Expo House Challenge. They were tasked with creating models and diagrams to explain a STEM related topic, or even an invention of their own. The Expos have created a fabulous display around the school, showcasing the pupils’ ability to explain complex ideas as well as their enthusiasm for STEM subjects. Their creative compositions demonstrate a wide range of scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical skills.
“I really enjoyed making my mini watermill model and learning about hydropower. I couldn’t believe how old the technology is!” said Alexandra in Year 3.
In class, pupils have been deep diving into topics outside of the typical curriculum. Year 4 pupils took part in a parent led Maths workshop which was greatly enjoyed. Investigations into symmetry in nature, optical illusions, cyber security and climate change have provided the pupils with tangible examples of STEM topics that they encounter in everyday life. Highgate places emphasis on teaching these topics in a way that relates directly to the pupils, in turn encouraging a connection to, and investment in, the subject matter.
Adam O’Brien (Assistant Principal, Curriculum), who organised STEM week, commented: “This week is all about celebrating curiosity and giving pupils the opportunity to explore how science, technology, engineering and mathematics shape the world around them. It is a great opportunity to encourage collaboration and engagement, and we hope it inspires pupils to keep exploring and applying their learning beyond the classroom.”
To close the STEM celebrations, Junior School pupils were treated to an assembly by Dr Szydlo. Having worked at Highgate since 1975, Dr Szydlo’s lessons and famous assemblies have inspired generations of keen Highgate scientists. He demonstrated to the pupils that Chemistry is occurring constantly in their everyday lives, and generated an enraptured response from the children.
Throughout the week, teachers have highlighted the transferable skills needed across STEM subjects including teamwork, resilience, creativity and analytical thinking. Excitingly, the Junior School Science Quiz Team have demonstrated an abundance of these attributes, securing a place in the Quiz Club National Championship finals at Oxford University in June, alongside two of our General Knowledge Teams. We look forward to hearing about how they get on!
To read more about DTE in the Junior School, see our Five minutes with Harriet: Junior School DTE | Highgate Voices
