The laboratory will now offer girls from as young as four the opportunity to learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), a separate subject which will complement the Science, Computing and Mathematics classes they currently have in Prep School.
Prep 5 and 6 pupils will also continue to work in the laboratories with our Senior School specialists in addition to these new lessons.
STEM lessons are set to commence in January 2021. These will involve projects ranging from engineering and robotics to animation and orchestrating a mission to Mars.
As an introduction to this exciting new subject, the grand opening day was dedicated entirely to STEM activities ranging from balloon car engineering to computer coding.
Pupils were also joined by Caitlin Gould, Director of Bluefruit Software and Tecgirls, and Jenny Hatcher from the Marine Society & Sea Cadets for a series of interactive workshops.
Head of Prep, Mrs Katie Hinks said: “I am absolutely delighted with the new STEM laboratory which will be a valuable addition for all the girls. The reality is that all jobs and careers now involve STEM of one kind or another and having the opportunity to start learning those skills so early is phenomenal because it keeps all options open. The majority of our Prep girls are likely to have four different careers during their lifetimes and some of the jobs they will do haven’t even been created yet because technology is moving so fast. It is absolutely vital that they learn the skills that STEM teaches them such as problem-solving and working collaboratively because these are the things that will stand them in good stead whatever the future may hold.”
