We hear about STEM – where sparks fly and imaginations fire
Halliford school…
Each year at Halliford School a dedicated enrichment week is held, including a full Robotics Day during which students learn hands-on skills such as soldering a PCB board and building a flashlight. They also work with a range of robotic technologies, from drones to bomb disposal robots, giving them exposure to real-world applications of engineering and programming. A standout success story from last year was a Hallifordian who earned a place on the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) summer internship programme, one of only a small number from 1,000 applicants. During the placement, he worked on a cutting-edge single electron pump project, gaining invaluable experience in experimental research and data analysis. STEM at Halliford is all about inspiring curiosity and creating opportunities for innovation. Our students achieve incredible things, from an Old Hallifordian graduating with a First in Engineering from the University of Cambridge to an Upper Sixth securing a placement at IBM. Creativity thrives here too, with one of our Lower Sixth students being a BAFTA Young Games Designer finalist for two consecutive years. Even our youngest learners take part in extraordinary projects like AstroPi, where Year 7 students write code that runs on the International Space Station. At Halliford, STEM is not just a subject, it is a gateway to the future. Halliford places a strong emphasis on practical science experiences. We aim to create ‘WOW’ moments that make science come alive for students, leaving lasting memories and inspiring curiosity. These activities are designed to deepen understanding, develop problem-solving skills, and show how science connects to the world beyond the classroom.
For more information about the exceptional opportunities at Halliford School visit hallifordschool.co.uk
“We aim to create ‘WOW’ moments that make science come alive for students”
Somerhill STEM…
STEM at Somerhill begins in Saplings, where our youngest learners experience engineering in its purest form. At Forest School, children cut down a dying tree to craft a wooden toy, learning where materials come from and the importance of sustainability. This hands-on start builds respect for resources and sparks curiosity about design and construction.
As pupils progress, STEM becomes increasingly ambitious. Reception children explore coding basics, while Years 1 and 2 design toy cars, create spinning thaumatrope toys and develop storage solutions for the community, building resilience, critical thinking and collaboration.
By Prep, engineering and science take centre stage with robotics, CAD design, Python coding and projects such as energy-efficient homes and F1 in Schools. Supported by expert teachers and lab technicians, pupils experiment, innovate and embrace AI-enhanced learning. Set in 150 acres of parkland, Somerhill ensures children grow into confident, creative thinkers ready to shape the future.
We love Lisa Rajan’s Tara Binns series published by Collins Big Cat. ‘When Tara Binns opens her dressing up box something exciting happens …’ These fun books – beautifully illustrated by Alessia Trunfio – broaden horizons, challenge stereotypes and introduce young readers to a wonderful variety of STEM professions. There are eighteen in the series including Big Idea Engineer, Roving Robotics Genius, Visionary Volcanologist, Clued-up Detective and High-flying Pilot. They are suitable for KS2 but if your little one is younger fear not… Tara has a little sister called Dani who stars in another series by Lisa Rajan written for KS1. Dani also explores careers via her dressing up box. Titles include Dani Binns Fearless Firefighter, Dani Binns Amazing Architect and Dani Binns Problem-solving Plumber.
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