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Building the future: STEM at Ipswich Academy

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.

How we teach STEM

At Ipswich Academy we use maths resources from STEM Learning in base group activities, in maths competitions and in careers sessions. We give our students the opportunity to take Level 2 Further Maths GCSE and Statistics GCSE, and in Summer 24 we had our best ever results in these subjects.

Where relevant we use tools and external resources to improve students’ engagement with the STEM subjects. VR headsets are used with Year 7s to explore Space, and we arrange for specialist entomologists to visit the school so students are able to see and handle live invertebrates.

Students are also currently working on a STEM project with Sizewell C Co (the company building the new nuclear power station 25 miles away on the Suffolk coast), which has supplied resources to develop STEM skills, such as Sphero coding, 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 them increase their engineering and maths skills, and understand their relevance to the real world.

Why STEM is important

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.

Conclusion

STEM education is a powerful tool that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our comprehensive approach to STEM demonstrates the benefits of integrating these subjects into everyday learning, giving young people technical abilities and a deeper understanding of the vital role STEM plays in the world.