Building the Future: STEM at Paradigm
Learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), is pivotal for preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
In the UK, the emphasis on STEM subjects in schools has grown significantly over the past decade, following the recognition that these disciplines are strong drivers for innovation and economic growth.
STEM in Schools
Paradigm Trust begins STEM education early, teaching children in the EYFS by incorporating Computational Thinking concepts into lessons through pattern seeking, tinkering and creating.
Coding begins in Year 1 and is built upon in every year following. Pupils use code.org, a system used by over 80 million students around the world. Content and exercises are tailored for each year group, with complexity increasing as children get older.
Alongside coding, pupils are taught to type. Every computing lesson begins with practice – children in Key Stage 1 use a programme called Keyboard Climber, then graduate to Typing Club in Key Stage 2.
Children are also taught to use different digital tools to create everything from ebooks to music. In Year 5 pupils will learn how to create their own websites, and make 3D models using TinkerCAD. When they reach Year 6, pupils use Google Sheets to create budgets for their own parties and Microsoft Publisher to produce their graduation books.
Once children have made the transition to Ipswich Academy, the Trust’s secondary school, maths resources from STEM Learning are used in the base group activities, in maths competitions and in careers sessions. Students have the opportunity to take Level 2 Further Maths GCSE and Statistics GCSE, and in Summer 24 Ipswich Academy saw its best ever results in these subjects.
Schools in the Trust also use external resources, where relevant, to improve students’ engagement with the STEM subjects. VR headsets are used with Year 7s to explore Space, and specialist entomologists visit the school so students are able to see and handle invertebrates.
Also at Ipswich Academy, students are working on a STEM project with Sizewell C Co (the company building the new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast), which has supplied resources to develop STEM skills, such as Sphero coding, and pneumatic and hydraulic engineering, to overcome a range of challenges linked to actual problems. Later in the year students get a chance to visit the build site to showcase their work, tour the power station, and meet people who already work in the STEM industries. This helps the students to increase their engineering and maths skills, and understand their relevance to the real world.
The significance of STEM
According to a report by EngineeringUK, the STEM sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, with engineering alone accounting for 26% of the UK’s GDP. The UK, like many other nations, faces a skills gap in STEM industries, so by equipping students with strong STEM skills we put them in an advantageous position to secure important, well-paid careers.
STEM careers are among the highest-paying and most in-demand jobs, with salaries 20% higher than other sectors. Promoting STEM education can enhance social mobility by providing students from diverse backgrounds with access to lucrative career paths. Encouraging more students to pursue STEM subjects, particularly those from underrepresented groups, can help bridge socio-economic gaps.
STEM subjects inherently teach problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These disciplines encourage students to explore, experiment and find solutions to complex problems. Such skills are not only essential for STEM careers but are also valuable in everyday life and across many other sectors.
STEM education is a powerful tool that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Paradigm Trust’s comprehensive approach to STEM, starting from early years and continuing through secondary school, demonstrates the impact of integrating these subjects into everyday learning. Through partnerships, hands-on projects, and real-world applications, students not only develop technical expertise but also gain a deeper understanding of the vital role STEM plays in the world.