In an increasingly technical world, how important is an understanding of STEM from an early age? 

Fostering an understanding of STEM from an early age teaches highly desired and transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, exploration, collaboration, and innovation. Children, particularly younger children, are built to learn through exploring their environments and encouraging this at an early age creates a passion for independent learning and the ability to tackle challenges confidently and creatively. 

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate)

What does your school offer in science, technology, engineering and maths, both in and outside of the classroom? 

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) offers a wide range of STEM subjects throughout all school years including KS3, GCSEs, BTECs, and A-Levels in Applied Science, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, 3D Design and Design and Technology. In addition, QE prides itself on its broad range of extra-curricular STEM activities including the Practical Science CREST Award, Critical Thinking Club, Advanced Mathematics Club, QE Motorsports, Medical Conference Collegiate Competition, and the Medicine and Veterinary Society. 

QE students can also send items to space annually as part of the Mars Balloon national initiative and can collaborate with local students at the school's hosted events; QE Volcano Day and QE Bath Bomb Day. Students across the Collegiate also compete in a variety of STEM national competitions including the Olympiads, Bebras, ICE CityZen, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, UK Biology Challenge and the University of Warwick National Scientific Challenge.  

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate)

What benefits can STEM learning offer for pupils (even if they don't want to actively pursue a career in STEM after school)? 

Students with a good grounding in STEM skills can adapt to many different environments where technology, analysis, creative thinking, and creating solutions to problems is beneficial. This can be the traditional route of specialising in a STEM field or a different pathway such as art and design, where a STEM education will influence how they think, and approach situations, and in turn, make them an ideal candidate for competitive courses.

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate)

How would you sum up the teaching approach at your school? 

QE is built on encouraging students to ‘be the best they can be with the gifts that they have and so we are dedicated to encouraging students wherever their strengths and passions lie. When educating our students, we make sure to offer a variety of lessons that take into account different learning styles and various individual needs whilst encouraging extra-curriculars that support their learning, passions, and future.

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate)

How do you encourage pupils to progress as individuals? 

In addition to providing an excellent careers provision, we create and encourage a range of additional opportunities that are tailored to our students. This mix of classes, clubs, events, seminars, competitions, and leadership roles provide ample opportunity for students to challenge themselves whilst, developing their interests and building their experience and confidence. 

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate)

Why is it important to focus on each individual pupil's needs? 

By focusing on the individual and their needs, we can help deliver our curriculum and extra-curriculars in a way that will enable them to get the most out of their time at QE. This is why we offer over 100 enrichment activities and seek out beneficial opportunities for students such as the recent project to create, release and choreograph the hit song and music video, ‘Feels Like Home’, alongside famous producers, Billen Ted. 

To find out more visit www.qe.org or attend an upcoming school open morning.