STEAM Week Success at RAPS

From Reception to Year 6, pupils were taken off timetable to immerse themselves in an exciting programme of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) workshops, trips and hands-on projects designed to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The initiative encourages children to think creatively, solve problems, work collaboratively and apply their learning in real-world contexts.

At Ramsgate Arts Primary School, where creativity is at the heart of the curriculum, STEAM Week plays a vital role in showing pupils how different subjects connect and how their learning can shape the world around them.

The busy programme was coordinated by Assistant Head of School Hannah Dannell, who worked with staff, parents and local organisations to create a rich and varied programme of experiences.

Miss Dannell said:” STEAM Week is about sparking curiosity and giving children opportunities to explore, experiment and ask questions. We want our pupils to see themselves as scientists, engineers, designers and problem-solvers.

“By taking learning beyond the classroom and working with real experts, the children gain confidence and a deeper understanding of how their skills can be used in the wider world.”

A number of workshops were led by parents who work in STEAM-related careers, and the school expressed its gratitude for their time and expertise.

One particularly memorable workshop was ‘GloGerm’, where pupils learned how germs spread. After applying a special solution to their hands, children used ultraviolet light to reveal glowing “germs”, making the invisible visible and reinforcing the importance of effective handwashing in a powerful and engaging way.

Year 3 pupils put their engineering skills to the test by building a giant marble run using tubes, pipes and guttering, carefully adjusting angles and structures to keep their marbles moving. Meanwhile, Years 5 and 6 used an innovative Stixx Machine to transform old newspaper into strong paper sticks, which they then used to design and construct impressive structures, exploring strength, stability and sustainability.

Younger pupils also ventured beyond the school gates. Reception and Year 1 visited Hornby Hobbies, where they explored intricate model trains and watched Scalextric cars race around tracks, linking their learning to real-life engineering and design.

Year 4 travelled to Cummings at Sandwich Discovery Park, where volunteers led workshops on cutting-edge technology. Pupils learned about 3D printing and built solar power kits, gaining hands-on experience with renewable energy and modern manufacturing.

Year 5 visited Ramsgate rail depot to learn about railway safety and the mechanics behind trains, while Year 6 spent time at Royal Harbour Academy taking part in an exciting chemistry workshop. There, pupils created the famously explosive-looking ‘elephant toothpaste’ reaction and tested mystery chemicals, applying their scientific knowledge in a secondary school laboratory setting.

Head of School Nick Budge praised the impact of the week. He said: “STEAM Week reflects everything we value - creativity, collaboration, resilience and a belief that learning should be inspiring and purposeful.

“The children have been fully engaged, and it has been wonderful to see them working together, thinking critically and embracing new challenges.”

Pupils also celebrated NSPCC national Number Day as part of the week, taking part in a range of engaging Maths challenges and problem-solving activities. From collaborative puzzles and logic games to practical investigations that applied mathematical thinking in real-life contexts, children embraced the opportunity to develop their fluency, reasoning and resilience. It highlighted the importance of mathematics within STEAM and reinforced the message that numbers are everywhere in the world around us.

STEAM Week not only deepened pupils’ knowledge and skills but also broadened their aspirations. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, RAPS continues to nurture curious, capable and creative learners ready for the future.

Ramsgate Arts Primary is part of the Viking Academy Trust with its partner schools Chilton Primary in Ramsgate and Upton Juniors in Broadstairs.

**Contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847