STEM

Why is STEM so important?

STEM subjects are important at IQRA Academy because they serve as the fertile ground from which future technical and industry leaders will be nurtured. We have high aspirations for our children to engage in higher education and to go on to have meaningful jobs in adult life. In an ever-changing technical world STEM learning will help children achieve this and more.

STEM subjects provide the foundations and tools for future scientists, inventors, and engineers.

STEM sectors are set to be the largest employers in the world. In the UK alone a minimum of 120,000 STEM graduates a year are needed to fill the demand in the workplaces. It is vital that we give our children at IQRA Academy the stepping-stones needed to be successful in an ever-evolving world.

Maths

At IQRA, we believe that every child can achieve success in mathematics through high-quality teaching and a curriculum that develops confidence, resilience and understanding. Our approach to maths focuses on mastery, allowing pupils to gain a secure understanding of concepts before moving on to new learning. Children are encouraged to think deeply, explain their reasoning and apply their mathematical knowledge in a range of contexts.

Our teaching is carefully structured to ensure progression across all year groups. Using schemes such as White Rose Maths alongside supporting resources from Grammarsaurus, lessons are designed to build knowledge step by step while revisiting previous learning regularly. Pupils develop fluency in key skills alongside the ability to reason mathematically and solve problems independently.

Mathematical vocabulary plays an important role within our curriculum. Through consistent language and carefully sequenced learning, pupils are supported in communicating their ideas clearly and confidently. Our long-term planning and calculation strategies help ensure continuity across the school so that children can make strong links between different areas of mathematics.

In every classroom, teachers model new concepts clearly, provide opportunities for guided practice and adapt learning to meet the needs of all pupils. Lessons include a balance of fluency, reasoning and problem-solving activities, enabling children to deepen their understanding and become confident mathematicians.

From the Early Years onwards, we place a strong emphasis on number sense and mental fluency. Children are given regular opportunities to practise arithmetic skills and recall key number facts through engaging activities and interactive resources, including Times Tables Rock Stars. We aim to create positive attitudes towards maths so that pupils enjoy challenge and develop perseverance in their learning.

Mathematics is taught as a dedicated subject while also being linked to meaningful real-life contexts and other curriculum areas where appropriate. Our classrooms promote independence, discussion and active participation, helping children to become reflective learners who can explain and justify their thinking.

By the time pupils leave IQRA, they are equipped with the mathematical knowledge, skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their education and for everyday life beyond school.

Supporting your children with maths at home

• problem solving

• creativity

• critical analysis

• teamwork

• independent thinking

• initiative

• communication

• digital literacy

Science

At our school, science is brought to life through curiosity, investigation and real-world learning. Our curriculum is carefully designed around the National Curriculum, but enriched through meaningful end points and purposeful real-life scenarios that inspire children to think and work like scientists.

We believe children learn best when science is relevant to their lives and community. By connecting learning to authentic contexts, pupils develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and recognise the importance of science in the world around them. This approach is strongly supported within primary science guidance and research into real-world learning. (EuHu)

Throughout school, pupils are immersed in exciting scientific experiences that develop knowledge, enquiry skills and problem-solving abilities. Each unit has a purposeful end point which allows children to apply their learning in a practical and meaningful way.

For example:

• In Year 1, pupils explore the properties of materials by creating their own “That’s Not My…” books, using scientific vocabulary to describe and compare everyday materials.

• In Year 5, children become rescue workers as part of their learning about properties and changes of materials. They investigate and test materials and objects that could be used in emergency flood rescue situations, applying their scientific understanding to real-life challenges.

• In Year 6, pupils study the heart and circulatory system through the topic Animals Including Humans. Learning is linked to the local area of Bradford, which has one of the highest rates of heart disease in the country, helping children understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and the impact science has on communities.

Science learning is enriched through practical investigations, collaborative enquiry and opportunities to work scientifically. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, test ideas and communicate their findings confidently using scientific language.

We are incredibly proud of our state-of-the-art Science Lab, which provides children with everything they need to succeed as primary scientists. The lab enables pupils to work with high-quality equipment in a stimulating environment that mirrors secondary school science facilities. This not only enhances engagement and aspiration, but also supports a smooth and confident transition into Year 7.

Our aim is for every child to leave our school with:

• A secure understanding of scientific knowledge and concepts

• Curiosity about the world around them

• Confidence in working scientifically

• The ability to apply science to real-life situations

• Excitement about future learning and STEM opportunities

Through inspiring experiences and meaningful learning opportunities, we nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, medics and innovators.

Space week

Each year, our school celebrates an exciting and immersive Space Week, where children across school take part in inspiring cross-curricular learning linked to a different annual theme. Space Week encourages pupils to explore science, creativity, engineering and the arts whilst developing their curiosity about the universe and the world beyond Earth.

Every year brings a new focus, allowing children to experience space and science through a variety of creative and engaging approaches. This year’s theme was Art and Space, where pupils combined scientific thinking with artistic expression to produce imaginative and meaningful work. Creative approaches to science learning are increasingly recognised for helping children engage more deeply with scientific ideas and exploration. 

Throughout the week, year groups explored artists, films and creative media connected to space and the universe:

• Reception children studied Vincent van Gogh and recreated The Starry Night, using colour and texture to represent the night sky.

• Year 5 pupils explored the work of Peter Thorpe and designed vibrant rocket paintings inspired by his imaginative space art.

• Year 6 used the film WALL-E as inspiration for perspective artwork, contrasting a thriving, healthy Earth with a world damaged by human impact. This encouraged thoughtful discussion about sustainability, environmental responsibility and the future of our planet.

Space Week provides opportunities for pupils to work collaboratively, think creatively and apply their scientific understanding in exciting new ways. Across school, children engage in hands-on investigations, art projects, design challenges and discussions that develop both scientific knowledge and imagination.

By combining science with creativity, Space Week helps children see that science is not just about facts and experiments - it is also about innovation, curiosity and imagining the possibilities of the future.

AWARDS WE HAVE WON 

Year 5 pupils at IQRA Academy, won the National Primary Innovation Award from the Business of Science Conference with their creative solution to air pollution.

The students’ innovative idea, which would see pollution meters on traffic lights in the streets of Bradford, was one of many national entries entered in the awards across three categories. Primary, secondary and people aged over 18 from across the UK were asked to propose their big science dream for fixing a real-world problem. Entries were judged on the ambition, design and positive change the idea would create for society and shortlisted entrants were invited to present their ideas at the conference in Edinburgh, with the finalists announced at the close of the conference.

We have also been accredited the PSQM Outreach award.

The projects we have taken part in 

Key Stage 1 and 2 had an after school CREST awards club.

We worked with IVE on applied creativity labs for two years. This included children taking part in STEM career days as well as taking part in a 10-week course to create their very own invention to reduce air pollution on the streets of Bradford. Our children then got a dedicated page on the Bradford council website. 

https://www.bradford.gov.uk/clean-air-zone/information-pages/thinking-eco-nomically/

Design Technology

At our school, Design Technology is an inspiring, practical and creative subject which encourages children to become innovators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Through designing, making and evaluating, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to create purposeful products and solutions for real-life situations. High-quality Design and Technology education helps children develop creativity, resilience and practical expertise whilst preparing them for an increasingly technological world.

We follow the LCC Design Technology Curriculum, which provides clear progression in both knowledge and skills from Early Years through to Year 6. Children revisit and build upon key areas of learning throughout their time in school, ensuring they develop confidence and competence across a range of disciplines including structures, mechanisms, textiles and food technology. Progression-based DT curriculums are recognised for helping children deepen and apply their understanding over time.

Design Technology lessons encourage pupils to:

• Design purposeful and innovative products
• Develop practical making skills using a range of tools and materials
• Evaluate and improve their work
• Solve real and relevant problems
• Work collaboratively and creatively
• Develop resilience and independence

Children are encouraged to take risks, think creatively and learn from the design process. DT also provides meaningful links with other curriculum areas including science, mathematics, computing and art.

We are extremely proud of our fully functional DT and Food Technology room, which provides pupils with high-quality resources and specialist equipment to support their learning. The dedicated learning environment allows children to safely explore, design and create using a wide range of materials, tools and cooking equipment.

Within our food technology curriculum, pupils develop important life skills by learning about nutrition, healthy eating and food preparation. Through hands-on experiences, children gain confidence in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes whilst understanding the importance of hygiene and balanced diets. 

Our aim is for every child to leave our school as a confident designer and creator, equipped with the practical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities needed for the future.

Computing

At our school, we believe computing is an essential part of modern life and an important skill for every child’s future. Through an engaging and progressive curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge, creativity and confidence needed to become responsible and capable digital citizens.

We use the Teach Computing Curriculum, developed by the National Centre for Computing Education, which provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills from Year 1 to Year 6. The curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for Computing and supports children in developing understanding across computer science, information technology and digital literacy.

Through the Teach Computing curriculum, pupils learn how digital systems work, how to create and debug programs, how to use technology purposefully and how to stay safe online. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure children build upon prior learning and develop increasing confidence and independence as they move through school.

Our computing curriculum develops skills in:

• Programming and coding
• Computational thinking and problem solving
• Creating digital media
• Data and information handling
• Computer systems and networks
• Online safety and digital citizenship

Children have opportunities to work creatively using a range of digital tools and software whilst developing resilience, logical thinking and collaboration skills. Lessons encourage pupils to become active creators of technology rather than simply consumers of it.

Online safety is embedded throughout our curriculum to ensure pupils understand how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Children learn how to protect themselves online, communicate appropriately and develop positive digital habits from an early age.

The Teach Computing curriculum also helps children understand the real-world relevance of computing by linking learning to future careers and modern technology. Pupils are encouraged to see themselves as future programmers, designers, engineers and innovators.

Through high-quality computing education, we aim to equip every child with the confidence, skills and creativity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Meet the STEM team 

Mrs M Mehrin - STEM Lead and Science Lead

Ms V Austick - Design and Technology Lead

Mrs  R Naylor - Computing Lead

We also have team of pupil STEM Leaders who work with the STEM team to develop STEM learning and curriculum.