Introduction

STEAM is more than just gaining knowledge in Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Maths, it is also a way of thinking and a way of doing. It includes creative and flexible problem-solving, working effectively within a team and making links between subjects.

At Bexley Grammar School we understand how these key skills help to shape our students into capable, practical and confident learners. Developing a foundation that will enable them to succeed in a wide variety of STEAM fields. It is well-documented that there is a shortfall of STEAM specialists in some areas, such as engineering, and here at BGS we are taking proactive steps to tackle that issue for future generations.

We have developed an integrated approach where STEAM skills are incorporated into lessons and also explicitly developed through extracurricular activities and whole year group events. There is the House STEAM competition as well as a whole school STEAM Power Day. These events allow the students to work with industry specialists from a wide range of STEAM disciplines who come in and run workshops/judge competitions/give career talks and generally inspire and motivate the students. Over the years we have developed ongoing links with RIBA, the NHS, Public Health England, Glasgow University Quantum Physics Department and the Police Technologies Programme.

 

Extracurricular STEaM provision at BGS

Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 we have a wide range of extracurricular clubs that fall under the remit of STEAM. These range from chemistry club, to robotics, to coding to building skateboards.

Key Stage 4
As students get older their STEAM activities become more self-directed. In the Engineering Club students are able to complete projects of their own design. These have varied massively over the years from computer science projects to woodwork design and builds. Some of these students will use these projects as the basis for an application for the Arkwright Scholarship which is completed at the start of Year 11. We have had successful Arkwright Scholars every year for the past four years, and we hope to continue to grow this impressive record.

Key Stage 5
By the Sixth Form, students are run their own clubs with little input from staff. These societies reflect the high level of ambition of BGS students as well as their motivation to develop their own experiences while supporting their peers. The Medicine Society and the Senior Science Society both meet regularly and sharing the extracurricular work they are doing at home. In addition to these, there are currently a number of national programmes that BGS students are involved in, such as the Quantum Ambassador’s Programme and an InverstIn programme called ‘Empowering Young Women in STEAM’.