What an extraordinary we’ve had! While our youngest learners at Britannica are naturally scientists, technology explorers, engineers, artists and mathematicians, our annual STEAM Week gave us a special opportunity to shine a spotlight on their everyday discoveries. Through play, inquiry, and plenty of creative messes, our children have been asking big questions, testing ideas, and deepening their understanding of how the world works around them.
Here is a glimpse into what we’ve been up to across the different areas of STEAM.
Science – Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception watched an exciting assembly led by the Secondary science teachers and discovered the amazing possibilities of scientific experimentation! They watched in awe as chemical reactions unfolded: from foaming elephant toothpaste to fire bubbles, it was a morning filled with wonder and discovery!
Technology – In the classroom, Reception children experimented with Tale Bots, using trial and error to code their robots through a maze. Our younger learners explored cause-and-effect through push-and-pull mechanical toys, discovering how physical technology works. Children across Early Years also took on the role of photographers, using digital cameras to capture photos of their own learning and creations!
Engineering – Nursery children read the story of The Three Little Pigs and acted as builders, using various blocks to construct sturdy houses to keep their pigs safe from the Big Bad Wolf. In Pre-Nursery, the children read the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff and experimented with different materials to build strong bridges.
Art – Across all Early Years classes, we explored a rich variety of art media and materials. Pre-Nursery created bridges and painted characters from their class story, as well as exploring cause and effect through colour mixing. Nursery experimented with paint and mixed colours to capture scenes from The Three Little Pigs. In Reception, children selected, trimmed and joined materials to design traditional clothing from around the world.
Mathematics – In Early Years, mathematics is naturally woven into our daily play and exploration. While building houses for their pigs, Nursery children explored 3D shapes to learn which blocks could stack successfully. Reception children applied spatial awareness and directional reasoning while programming their Tale Bots to navigate the mazes.
While STEAM Week offers a special opportunity to celebrate these areas with extra flair, inquiry and innovation are incorporated into our learning every single day. Through ongoing hands-on discovery, our children are constantly building critical thinking skills, nurturing their curiosity, and learning to make sense of the world around them. We look forward to seeing where their wonderful questions take them next!
Lauren Olsen
Nursery Teacher
Head of Early Years
