Upton Heath Church of England Primary School enhances its STEM offering

The teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths has received a boost at Upton Heath Church of England Primary School following an investment into STEM facilities.

Children at Upton Heath will benefit from new equipment and resources within a dedicated STEM space at the school, including a state of the art 3D printer, new seating and benches for design and technology.

All children at the school will utilise the new space, accessing a variety of equipment such as programmable floor robots and coding caterpillars, and undertaking various lessons, from woodwork to food technology.

Upton Heath is one of three Cheshire schools that are part of The Samara Trust, a multi-academy trust.

CEO of The Samara Trust George Bulman said additional investment into the STEM space will enable pupils to access a more sophisticated curriculum.

“STEM can, of course, be taught within a classroom environment but having a dedicated space for the subject has a number of benefits, not least being the ability for teachers and pupils to easily access a space and resources that lend themselves to an enhanced curriculum and engaging learning opportunities for pupils.

“The change of setting from classroom to STEM room is hugely beneficial for pupils. It is novel and exciting, often prompting a new mind-set when entering the STEM space. Additionally, becoming accustomed to moving around the school can assist our older Key Stage 2 children with the transition to high school.”

When setting up the room, the school was able to draw on the expertise of Simon Hooker, the head of technology at The Bishop’s Blue Coat Church of England High School, and some joint work is planned. 

Mr Bulman adds: “Encouraging all children, especially girls, to engage with STEM is vital. Recent Department for Education research showed that female pupils were far less likely to rank a STEM related subject first for enjoyment, and were also much less likely to consider themselves to be best at a STEM subject. By creating positive associations with STEM from an early age, we are giving girls the best possible start.

“Representation is also key. STEM at Upton Heath is led by an all-female team and we have further enhanced our STEM space with imagery that reinforces the subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths in a positive, accessible and fun way.

“Seeing the awe on the children’s faces as they learn how to print objects using the 3D printer, and ponder the possibilities of such technology, is a real privilege. A lesson might involve our youngest pupils playing with the BeeBots but really, children are learning the fundamentals of coding. Pupils might create a fun ‘green screen’ video, but in truth they are becoming immersed in computing. STEM is a vast, fascinating and constantly evolving area, and we’re thrilled to be enhancing the STEM opportunities for pupils at Upton Heath and preparing them for their futures.”

Upton Heath is holding open days for September 2023 admissions on: 4^th and 5^th Oct, 15^th Nov and 16^th Nov, and 5^th Jan 2023 with sessions at 10am and 2pm. For further information, please visit: 

https://www.uptonheath.cheshire.sch.uk/

The Samara Trust is a charity based multi-academy trust formed of three Cheshire primary schools; Little Sutton C of E Primary School, Clutton C of E Primary School, and Upton Heath C of E Primary School. Founded in March 2018, The Samara Trust brings together a variety of schools to work together, support each other and provide the best outcomes for young people. The Samara Trust is child-focused, celebrates the individuality of its schools and emphasises collaboration and opportunities for schools, staff and pupils.

Pictured - Pupils at Upton Heath Primary School try out the 3D printer at the school's new STEM room.