mathematical concepts such as angles and degrees – instructing the Sphero to move forward and then turn right 90 degrees. Once the coding is complete and the Sphero is instructed to move, the girls also learn the need to set the orientation of the Sphero so it understands which way is forward! Another popular module is Breakout EDU. The best way to describe this is an escape room puzzle for the classroom. Through group problem solving (8–10 students per group), teamwork, and strategy, the girls are faced with a new problem each week and need to solve a series of puzzles to unlock padlocks. These puzzles could be mathematical or word-based and each puzzle relates to a unique padlock. If all the puzzles are solved, a prize is accessed. In one Year 4–6 electronics module, the girls create their own felt animals with LED lights as eyes. They are introduced to simple circuitry, and use conductive thread to sew their owl together, connecting the positive controller to the LED lights or ‘eyes’ of their owl. The girls start to understand the concept of electrical currents and power as well as learning to sew. In a Year 4–6 print module, the girls are also given specific problems and encouraged to come up with a solution. One good example is how the girls identify their own bag amongst a sea of similar looking bags. They explore different ways of identifying their bag and are given the opportunity to design, create and personalise name tags for their bags.
Junior School Entrepreneurs! The Kidpreneurs Challenge, part of the Year 4–6 STRETCH Programme in 2018, provided the opportunity for our girls to explore business studies concepts as they develop two different products to be sold within the school. They brainstorm product ideas, conduct market research into sales opportunities and customer preference, and then move into production phase – testing, trialing and adapting their production methodologies. Last year, the group developed beeswax food wraps and lip gloss; two items that proved to be popular amongst other year groups, yet presented production challenges. Getting the recipes absolutely right required repeated attempts and plenty of perseverance. In the end, the products were a success and the girls learnt a lot about the science behind these products as well as the business and marketing requirements.
Specialist teachers We have a team of passionate and dedicated teachers delivering STRETCH at St Cuthbert’s led by the Head of Technology. Many of the specialist Technology teachers work across all year levels, providing a crossover between Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Our Junior School teachers are supported by
these specialists, and they are encouraged to challenge themselves to step out of their regular subject area and teach and learn together. Our teachers work together, they help others to develop their skills and regularly participate in professional development programmes to ensure they are across new and emerging technologies, and able to bring this knowledge and real world application into the classroom. Our teachers are passionate about STEAM and willingly share this enthusiasm with the girls to inspire and encourage them.
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