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STEAM Week: Mens et Manus in Action
As we approached our recent STEAM Week, we highlighted the value of this experience and its connection to our wider approach to Project-Based Learning in the primary school. STEAM, which brings together science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, provided children with meaningful opportunities to explore ideas through hands-on, integrated learning.
Inspired by our partnership with MIT, the Universities motto ‘Mens et Manus’, translated to Mind and Heart, was very much evidenced in the learning across school. During the week, children engaged in projects that encouraged them to ask questions, test ideas, collaborate with peers, and apply their knowledge in creative ways.
This approach reflected our drive to place Project-Based Learning within our curriculum. We aspire for children to develop a deeper understanding by working on real-world challenges. Rather than simply learning facts, children will learn how to think, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. These experiences help build confidence, resilience, and independence.
Importantly, this work aligned with the United Nations’ Skills for 2030 framework, which highlights the importance of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability for future success. By embedding these skills into everyday learning, we ensured that our students were prepared not only for academic achievement but also for a rapidly changing world.
We were proud that our STEAM week was led by Mr. Simon Calderwood, our STEAM Coordinator. It was a week where pictures alone may not do justice to the learning and enthusiasm for STEAM. So, we asked our children to share their thoughts below..
What was your favourite part of STEAM Week?
Darius 2C I loved speaking to the company about what they wanted. It helped up focus on what the end product should look like, and it helped our group collaborate even more.
Chi Chai 2E I loved using the STEAM chat box and working collaboratively with my friends to design and create a wind powered vehicle. We shared ideas, helped each other, and tried different designs to see what worked best. After building our vehicle, we tested our products with our buddy class and watched how the wind helped them move. It was exciting to see our ideas come to life, and we had lots of fun learning and working together.
Hayden 4D What I loved about steam was playing vex go and working with my team and collaborating with them. Another thing I loved about steam was going out to Sha Tin and riding the scooters around a model of the real streets. The last thing I loved about steam was when Officer Wong came in for the assembly to play little quizzes and teach us how to be a smart pedestrian.
Francesco 4G STEAM week was very enjoyable because of the collaboration, creativity and fun projects. I enjoyed the safety town and especially talking to the traffic officers. I also really liked building the barrier with my team. So overall I LOVED IT!! I hope the fun keeps up for the other year groups!
Brigitte 5F I thought S.T.E.A.M week was really exciting and enjoyable because we got to do the AlGreen workshops and made some fuel to use for cars! We got to use kitchen waste such as eggshells, kitchen oils and mix them up to make the fuel used to power a car. This fuel that we made was more environmental friendly as we used waste that we didn’t really need. When we finished making our fuel, we picked a leader in our table group and went outside ready to do a race with 5E and our car won out of the three rounds! I really enjoyed doing S.T.E.AM week and it was a very fun experience that I hope to do again!
Edith 6G I really liked STEAM Week because I thought that the project for year six was super fun and I also enjoyed sharing our eco-friendly cars with 3D. I also really enjoyed our Al Green visit and appreciate how we need to look for sustainable biofuel alternatives to fossil fuels. Overall, it was a really enjoyable week!
Siya 6G I really enjoyed STEAM week because normally I don’t really take notice about fossil fuels but after Algreen came in it made me realise how bad fossil fuels are for the environment it was really cool to make our own fuels and solar panels cars!
Battle of the Books - Semi Final
Please see below dates that may be of interest in the coming months, may be subject to changes.
Have a great week ahead,
Stephen Sharma