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.

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AT HOME WITH MATHS 

• problem solving

• creativity

• critical analysis

• teamwork

• independent thinking

• initiative

• communication

• digital literacy

What does STEM at Iqra Academy look like? 

We have worked hard at IQRA to implement a bespoke STEM curriculum which inspires our children and creates aspirations for the future. All year groups study Science, Maths, Computing and Design & Technology as part of the National Curriculum.

The concept of STEM learning is to combine science, technology, engineering and maths to create something that is greater than doing each subject individually. We want children to be apply their knowledge in a multidisciplinary way. To do this we ensure there are cross-curricular links made in lessons daily. We enrich this through STEM projects throughout the year. This results in deep and extended learning opportunities.

Engineering Week

This half term the children have participated in Engineering and Week where they explored a lot of DT skills and created things such as bags, bridges, hand pumps, wind turbines and pulley systems to support poor people in developing countries. 

The children have thoroughly enjoyed this week and have learnt so much. Here are some quotes from the children in school. 

Quotes from Engineering Week

"The water in the sink and toilet goes down the drain and then the pipes make the water go to the sea." Amaani (Prism). 

"We made bridges to help children to cross over because it's dangerous for some children to get to school - they have to cross a river." Safa (Universe).

"We designed bags with shapes on them so children in Pakistan can take them to school. Most people are poor in Pakistan, so we designed it for them." Hareem and Usman (Voyager). 

"(Engineering week) was great because we were making pulley systems to help Nepalese farmers get tomatoes down a mountain to the market." Zakariya (Anthracite). 

"I enjoyed the hands-on activities in Engineering Week." Safiyyah (Anthracite). 

"Because of Engineering Week, we have now learnt the skills needed to create new types of renewable energy to help all the people in need." Abdul-Ahad (Graphene). 

In Autumn 1, the children took part in World Space Week. Each year group, from EYFS to Year 6, took part in an exciting week of learning opportunities, exploring, and developing knowledge for all things Space!

In Autumn 2 we are holding Maths and Art Week. A unique and creative week where children will combine their knowledge of maths and apply this to art.

In Spring 1 children will take part in Engineering and Design and Technology enrichment. They will explore the concept of sustainable inventions to help children in developing countries.

Spring 2  will see the children taking part in British Science Week. The theme this year is, ‘Connections’.

In Summer 1 it's Computing Week where children will explore different forms of media.

In Summer 2 we will round off the year with a combined week, exploring all areas of STEM.

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.

The projects we are currently taking part in 

The projects we are currently taking part in.

There is a Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 after school club where pupils are working towards the CREST awards.

We are also working with IVE on applied creativity labs for the second year running. This will include 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.

We will be working towards achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark this year as well. Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) is a one-year professional learning programme for primary science subject leaders. It focuses on improving school self-evaluation of science.

Meet the STEM team 

Mrs M Mehrin - STEM Lead and KS2 Science Lead

Mrs A O’Brien - EYFS and KS1 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.