What is STEAM?
STEAM is a curriculum based on educating students in five specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.
We run an award-winning STEAM program at Shaftesbury School and have established links with STEAM industry companies. STEAM trips in the past have included; Thorpe Park, Big Bang, BETT London, Eden Project, LUSH cosmetics. We also invite industry experts to work with our students. The infographics below tell some of our story.
How does my child get involved?
We currently have an ambitious group of STEAM ambassadors involved in our program. Students have to sign up and then complete an application process. It is a popular program as you can imagine, so we run an application process once per year. In 2022 our program reached 100 – a landmark moment.
The FUTURE SERIES in 2022/23 focused on five ONE-day workshops. We invited industry experts into school to work with our students. The workshops were divided into primary students (in the morning) and secondary students (in the afternoon). Each workshop catered for over 200 children.
Our program for 2025/26 is centered around our Community in STEAM. Bringing our focus back to our STEAM ambassadors we are working on five workshops; one each in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.
The theme of community within a STEAM program highlights the importance of collaboration, shared learning, and collective problem-solving. STEAM education thrives on bringing people together—students, teachers, families, and local partners—to explore ideas and create solutions that have real-world impact. By working as a community, learners not only develop technical and creative skills but also learn to value different perspectives, support one another’s growth, and contribute to something larger than themselves. The STEAM community extends beyond the classroom, connecting students with local industries, universities, and community projects, showing them how innovation and teamwork can drive positive change both in school and in society.
Who are the STEAM ambassadors?
At our school, the STEAM Ambassadors are a passionate group of students dedicated to promoting the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics both within the classroom and throughout the wider school community. Each year, ambassadors are carefully selected through an annual application process, ensuring that those chosen demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership in STEAM-related areas. They serve as role models and leaders, inspiring their peers to explore innovation and problem-solving through hands-on projects and collaborative learning. The ambassadors help organize events such as STEAM fairs, workshops, and guest speaker sessions, making these subjects exciting and accessible. Their enthusiasm and commitment embody our school’s vision of preparing students to think critically, work collaboratively, and embrace the challenges of an ever-changing world.
The STEAM Classroom
Our STEAM classroom is a vibrant, innovative space that reflects our school’s ongoing commitment to creativity and exploration in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. In previous years, the room was home to a number of award-winning projects and initiatives, made possible through the hard work and dedication of our passionate staff. While the leadership and management of the space have since been passed on to new teachers, the classroom continues to thrive as a progressive hub for hands-on learning and experimentation. Students use the space to collaborate, design, and problem-solve, bringing ideas to life through engaging STEAM activities that nurture curiosity and inspire innovation.
