January 18th 2025
As we reflect on an exciting Autumn Term, one of the standout features has been the introduction of a new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focus for our Year 6 pupils. This term, they embarked on a captivating project, "FrankenSTEM", which not only brought together the different disciplines of STEM, but also inspired them to think critically about what it means to be human.
At the heart of this project was the question: What makes us human? Across a range of subjects, the children explored this theme, uncovering connections between the human body, technology, and artificial intelligence. Through the integration of Design Technology (DT), Science, and ICT, the pupils found themselves immersed in a multifaceted learning experience that challenged their creativity and deepened their understanding.
In Design Technology, the pupils developed their skills by learning how to create and manipulate different joints and parts of the body. This knowledge was applied in the creation of their own 'FrankenSTEM' monster, a collaborative effort that involved designing and assembling body parts to form a truly unique creation. The result was a monster unlike any other, which now proudly stands outside the Headmaster’s study as a testament to the children’s hard work and imagination. Every child contributed to this final piece, whether it was through crafting the limbs, creating multiple heads or constructing joints.
In Science, the theme of the human body continued, studying the smallest building blocks of life (cells) with microscopes to the larger human systems such as the respiratory system. They also focused on how joints and muscles work together. The connection between what they studied in DT and Science was clear: creating a monster’s joints in DT helped solidify their understanding of human biomechanics in Science.
Meanwhile, in ICT, the children explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the question of how machines and AI intersect with humanity was explored. What role will technology play in the future of human life? How can we distinguish between human and machine intelligence? These questions prompted much discussion, and the pupils were introduced to the basics of AI, allowing them to think critically about the future of technology and its relationship to humanity.
The culmination of this multidisciplinary approach was the grand unveiling of the FrankenSTEM monster at the end of term. The children were able to point to the part they had contributed to the final creation. The process was as much about collaboration and teamwork as it was about individual learning.
Over the Christmas break, we set the pupils another intriguing challenge: to consider what humanity might look like in 1000 years. They were encouraged to express their thoughts and predictions in any creative way they chose. The results were diverse – from imaginative models and detailed presentations to thought-provoking diary entries and intricate artwork.
As we look ahead to the Spring Term, Year 6's STEM journey continues with a fresh and exciting focus on movement. This term, pupils will be applying their skills in Design Technology to create their own buggies. They will design and build these vehicles, learning about the mechanics of movement and exploring how to make their buggies move efficiently. In ICT, the pupils will then move on to program their buggies, learning the basics of coding and how to control movement through technology.
In Science, the theme of movement will be further explored through the study of forces. The pupils will learn about how forces such as friction, gravity, and air resistance affect movement, and how they can apply their understanding of forces to improve the performance of their buggies. This integrated approach will allow them to see how science and technology work hand in hand to create solutions to real-world problems.
It has been a fantastic start to the year, and I am proud of everything the pupils have achieved in this inaugural STEM project. Here’s to many more exciting learning adventures to come!
