At Compass International School, we believe that preparing students for the future means giving them the opportunity to think creatively, solve real-world problems, and collaborate across disciplines. That’s why we are proud to collaborate with one of the world’s leading institutions for innovation and research: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Through our partnership with MIT and Nord Anglia Education, our students engage in three dynamic STEAM Challenges each academic year. These challenges are more than just classroom projects; they are exciting, hands-on experiences that bring MIT’s groundbreaking research directly into our school community.
Since 2016, Nord Anglia Education schools worldwide have been participating in the MIT STEAM Challenges. These are carefully crafted, cross-curricular experiences rooted in real MIT faculty research. Each challenge embodies the spirit of MIT’s Mens et Manus (Mind and Hand) philosophy — emphasising learning through doing, experimenting, and innovating.
Each term, Compass students take part in one of these challenges, applying their knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to solve complex, real-world problems. Whether it’s designing sustainable life systems for astronauts on the International Space Station or tackling the pressing issue of space debris for future Mars missions, our students learn first-hand that innovation begins with curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This year, Compass students are diving into the exciting MIT STEAM Challenge: Designing Solutions. Ready to change the world? Through this challenge, students are teaming up with MIT experts to tackle real-world problems using creativity and innovation. They will collaborate with Professor Faez Ahmed to rethink everyday products with the help of artificial intelligence, work alongside Professor Ariel Furst to transform industrial by-products into eco-friendly solutions, and join forces with MIT’s Code for Good initiative to see how coding can create a positive impact in their communities. It’s a hands-on, inspiring opportunity for students to experiment boldly, design thoughtfully, and shape a better, more sustainable future.
Our collaboration with MIT isn’t just about developing subject knowledge; it’s about nurturing the transferable skills your child will need to thrive in the modern world. Flexibility, creativity, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking are at the heart of every MIT STEAM Challenge. Students are encouraged to take risks, experiment with ideas, and learn that making mistakes is often the first step towards making breakthroughs.
Instead of waiting for instructions, our students become active problem-solvers, learning how to connect knowledge across subjects and apply it to meaningful, global challenges. These experiences foster a growth mindset and prepare them to be adaptable and resilient leaders of the future.
Learning doesn’t stop when students leave the classroom — and there are exciting ways you can support your child's curiosity and growth at home through the Global Campus online platform.
On Global Campus, your child can:
Encouraging your child to engage with these resources sparks conversations, fosters independent inquiry, and shows that learning truly happens everywhere.
Parents also play a key role in supporting MIT collaboration:
Your support helps children grow into confident, creative thinkers who are ready to make a real-world impact.
At Compass International School, we are committed to inspiring a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Our collaboration with MIT puts your child at the forefront of innovative education, equipping them with the tools they need to not only succeed but to shape a better world.
Amazing things happen when we blend students' natural curiosity with the pioneering spirit of one of the world’s leading research universities — and this is just the beginning.
Log into Global Campus today and discover even more ways to fuel your child’s curiosity, creativity, and love for learning!
Written by:
Primary Leader of STEAM
Gharaffa Campus
