Miss A Simpson, Director of Assessment

Most of you will be familiar with the term ‘STEM’ education. The key component of STEM is integration. Instead of teaching subjects in isolation there is a growing focus on interdisciplinary learning. STEM education promotes the development of skills to be used in employment and life in general.

It is about learning how to think critically and evaluate information, how to apply knowledge, conduct research and the development of problem solving skills. These skills will be needed by Felstedians in our increasingly technology driven world. The addition of Art to ‘STEM’ to create ‘STEAM’ is to emphasise the importance of creative thinking. Art is not just about working in a studio. Art includes creating ways of problem solving, integrating principles or presenting information.
 

 
Simon James recently focused on The Joy of Creativity in his blog, and the Senior School is very much building on initiatives in the Prep School. We recently celebrated the success of our MDV applicants as part of STEAM education. We are now putting the spotlight on applicants who will be embarking on Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths HE courses, other than MDV (Medicine, Dental and Veterinary), all of which of course require some element of creativity. 
 
Scarlett W-H.
I have been at Felsted since Year 7 and am currently studying the IB Diploma with Biology, DT and English as my Higher levels and History, Italian and Maths as my Standard levels. I will be studying Product and Industrial design at Central St Martins next year with the hope of taking a year in industry during my course. I aspire to work on a multidisciplinary design team in the future and be able to influence new products coming to market. I was inspired by the designer Philippe Starck initially and have now found numerous designers and inspirations that influence my work. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the DTE department for helping me with projects, applications and much more, it is certainly safe to say that I would not be where I am today without all your aid and advice. 

 
Andy V.
I first joined Elwyn's in the Lower Sixth and I'm taking Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry as A Levels. My aspiration is to be able to study Natural Sciences at UCL or Cambridge as an undergraduate in the Autumn. What drew me to the Natural Sciences course was my constantly changing interest in different branches of science, whether it be particle physics and astrophysics, or physical chemistry and organic synthesis. My interest in science originally stemmed from linking how small scale experiments can be modelled to mimic real life scenarios in order to find solutions, for example a ping pong ball colliding with a tennis ball can act as a car collision, and evidently this has helped in making cars safer through safety belts, crumple zones, among other features. What also helped fuel my interest in STEAM was watching online videos of channels in the field, such as Veritasium and Numberphile - they presented concepts in a digestible and fascinating way for an open audience, and they also provide sources if you want to do further independent research, which I often found myself doing. I've really treasured my time here at Felsted because I was able to try many things I've never done before, such as learning an instrument and playing badminton, whilst being able to continue developing my interests, through academic discussion and support in the Andrew Society and partaking in Senior Chapel Choir. I would like to give a thank you to the Maths and Science Departments for providing such excellent support in my learning, being open for whatever enquiry I had, and especially for continued support even in the multiple lockdowns we've endured, helping me to thrive without burning out. I would also like to thank the Careers Department and Andrew Society for aiding me in my applications, particularly to Cambridge.

 
Christian A. 
I've been at Felsted for 7 years. Since joining the Sixth Form I have studied: Chemistry, Design & Technology and Business Studies. I am planning to study Civil Engineering at Southampton University. I always wanted to study an engineering degree of some description but it took me until I reached my final year to decide on the type. I may do my masters at some point, after working for a couple of years to further my education and knowledge of the subject. My tutor and teachers were essential in helping me decide and work through the application process. Engineering hasn't been my only focus at Felsted, a big part of my schooling life has been dominated by my devotion to my musical instruments (Guitar and Piano).

 
Henry B, Head Boy
I have been at Felsted since the age of 4 and have loved every minute of it. I have particularly enjoyed all of the extracurricular opportunities, including Music and Drama, MUN and Round Square, Sports and CCF. I have been lucky enough to represent the school in a number of different countries, including America, India and South Africa. I am currently studying A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Psychology and I also completed an EPQ last year. I hope to study Computer Science at Durham next year, with a view to working either in the Gaming Industry or perhaps as an Ethical Hacker. I feel that most jobs in the future will require some form of STEAM skills, and I am particularly grateful to the Maths Department for encouraging my interest in the subject and allowing me to take a programming based module for Further Maths, even though I was the only student in the set that elected to study it.

 
Elliott G.
I have been at Felsted since Year 7, and I am currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and German at A Level. I am hoping to study Mathematics at Durham University, and after that I would like to work as an actuary or in the financial sector. The Maths Department and the Andrew Society have helped me to develop my knowledge and skills which will help me later on in life with my future studies and work. I also take part in Music and Sport events at Felsted and am a member of the Prefect body.

STEAM at Felsted