Year 6s Explore Spirals at School's STEM Event

116 Year 6 pupils from 29 partner primary schools gathered at Bolton School for an annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) event. It was particularly exciting that this very popular large-scale event took place during the ISC’s Partnerships Week.

The visiting schools brought teams of four pupils to compete in three different STEM activities on this year’s theme: spirals. The Science strand of the event saw the children exploring an activity related to DNA, while for DT (Design Technology) they built a spiral tunnel or tube. The Girls’ Division Great Hall was buzzing with enthusiastic energy throughout the morning as the children got involved with hands-on learning, challenged themselves and had lots of fun.

Mrs Jane Mees, Bolton School’s Bursary Support and Outreach Manager, said:

“Our STEM event provides an enriching experience that deepens their learning and brings science, technology and maths to life. Our partner primary schools love bringing children along to take part and the boys and girls enjoy working together as a team and problem-solving to complete the tasks against the clock. It’s a great chance for them to work collaboratively and practically.”

As groups began to think about their DT helix slide design, one pupil was heard saying: “I've got a great idea, I know what we can make.”

Teaching staff added, “We are having fun trying to get all our team ideas together into one design!”

Another teacher said on the day, “It's great for them to just have a go at lots of different activities.”

At the end of the event, a pupil commented, “We've had a wonderful time. We really enjoyed building the roller coaster, it definitely tested our teamwork!”

This year, the STEM event, which is one of Bolton School’s flagship partnership activities, took place during the ISC’s Partnerships Week, a national celebration of the incredible range of partnerships and collaborative activities taking place in the UK’s independent schools’ sector.

Read more about Bolton School’s Partnerships

Photos from the STEM event: