From Play to Purpose: How STEAM Learning Starts in Early Years at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City

At The British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC), our Early Years programme, for children aged 2–5 years, often referred to as nursery, preschool, is where learning begins—but it’s also where future skills are built. 

Led by exceptional, long-standing Early Years educators, including Joanne Santos— Class Teacher, Primary STEAM Leader, and a valued member of the BIS community for over 7 years—our classrooms are full of energy, creativity, and expertise. With more than 15 years of experience in Early Years education, Joanne brings a passion for inspiring young learners to explore, question, and create with confidence. 

Following her recent participation in the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Professional Development programme, Joanne continues to bring fresh ideas and global best practice into the classroom.  Bus she’s not alone, Joanne works alongside our experienced EYFS team to create engaging, imaginative learning experiences where every child can thrive. Together, our educators ensure even our youngest learners benefit from world-class teaching from the very start. 

Through early STEAM learning—and with inspiration from our collaboration with MIT—our youngest learners don’t just explore. 

They begin to think, create, and solve problems with confidence. 

What is STEAM Learning in Early Years Foundation Stages? 

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. 

For young children, STEAM is not about formal lessons—it’s about learning through doing. 

At BIS HCMC, this means: 
• Experimenting with ideas 
• Designing and creating 
• Solving real-world problems in simple ways 

This approach helps children develop skills they will carry into Primary and beyond 

Why Start STEAM So Early? 

The early years are when children develop how they think, learn, and interact with each other and the world. 

Introducing STEAM at this stage helps children: 
• Build independence and resilience 
• Develop curiosity and a love of learning 
• Express their ideas clearly 
• Feel confident trying new things 

“STEAM in Early Years isn’t about getting the ‘right answer’. It’s about giving children the confidence to explore and take ownership of their ideas.” 
— Joanne Santos, Primary Steam Leader 

These are the skills that prepare children—not just for school—but for the future. 

Inspired by MIT: Our First Ever Early Years STEAM Festival in March 2026 

As part of Nord Anglia Education, BIS HCMC students benefit from collaborations with world-leading institutions like MIT. 

This month we held our first ever EYFS STEAM Festival, inspired by MIT’s challenge “Invent Together, Build with Anything”. 

We started with our youngest learners receiving a special video message from Nolan, our very own MIT Curiosity Correspondent. 

He shared that he had heard about their exciting challenge and asked: 
• What will you invent? 
• Will it help someone smile? 
• Will it help a friend? 

He encouraged our children to think creatively, share their ideas, and most importantly—have fun inventing. 

This moment brought global learning to life, helping children see that their ideas matter—not just in the classroom, but in the wider world. 

STEAM in Action: Helping Our BIS Saola feel at home 

The challenge for our Early Years children was to welcome a new member of the BIS community—our Saola sport mascot – and help the Saola feel at home by thinking like young inventors and problem-solvers. 

Through hands-on activities, children: 
• Designed and created clothing 
• Built shelters and dens 
• Made musical toys 
• Explored baking and food creation 

The classrooms were filled with creativity, collaboration, and excitement. 

It’s always inspiring to see our teachers sharing their passion beyond the classroom. Recently, Joanne Santos shared this reflection on LinkedIn—capturing the creativity, curiosity, and real-world learning that STEAM brings to our Early Years students at BIS HCMC. 

This is what STEAM learning looks like at BIS HCMC—where everyday moments of play become meaningful opportunities for children to explore, create, and grow with confidence. 

Where Play Becomes Purposeful Learning 

In Early Years Foundation Stages, play remains at the heart of everything we do—but at BIS HCMC, it is also intentional and meaningful. 

Children are not just playing—they are: 
• Testing ideas 
• Exploring solutions 
• Collaborating with others 
• Building confidence through experience 

This is where play becomes purpose—and where children begin developing the mindset they will carry throughout their education. 

From Early Years to Primary—and Beyond 

At BIS HCMC, your child’s journey continues seamlessly beyond Early Years. 

The skills developed through STEAM grow into: 
• Deeper academic learning 
• Greater independence 
• Stronger confidence 

Supported by: 
• Specialist teachers 
• Advanced learning environments 
• A globally connected curriculum 

Discover Early Years at BIS HCMC 

Choosing the right Early Years environment is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. 

At BIS HCMC, your child will experience: 
• A nurturing and supportive start 
• Purposeful STEAM learning from day one 
• A seamless journey into Primary and beyond

👉 Book a personalised tour today and discover how play becomes purpose in Early Years at BIS HCMC.