STEM & ICT

What are the subject objectives?

At Redwood Park we strive to offer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through a hands-on practical approach. The curriculum offers a diverse, enquiry-based approach where the pupils can explore big questions with a range of engaging equipment. This approach allows for our pupils to explore at their own pace whilst considering how things work.

STEM can be seen across the curriculum with links to Art, Wider World, English, Maths, Design Technology, and ICT. We have an exciting range of ‘Tara Binns’ books that focus on a young person’s adventure when she takes on a different STEM focused job role. These books help support the big ideas behind STEM, furthermore the pupils can have fun replicating the experiments or design ideas in the books.

Our aims:

To provide enquiry-based learning through a hands-on approach.
Explore big questions about STEM by having the time to use specialist equipment.
To link learning to ECHP targets to ensure a personalised learning approach is supported by STEM activities.
To provide safe and well-maintained user-friendly equipment.

Skill development linked to the National Curriculum:

Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways.
Observing closely, using simple equipment.
Performing simple tests.
Identifying and classifying.
Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions.
Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions.

Mindset development through Schema focus and Engineering approaches:

Creating connections with a child’s mind.
Schemas are patterns of repeatable behaviours which can often be noticed through play.
Recognise and extend patterns of behaviour and thinking.
Create exciting and challenging learning environments to support children’s interests in learning.
Real world-learning engineering habits of mind.
Thinking aloud, mentally rehearsing physical tasks, modelling, story boarding and using web-based games.

We are partnered across the trust with STEM Enthuse. Please click on this link to find out more. https://www.redwood-academy.net/Partnerships/

Enrichment visits are a great way to engage pupils in STEM careers. We are holding a STEM enrichment festival in Autumn 2025. The pupils in key stage 4 are attending Southampton International Boat Show and Neon Futures have awarded £750 for onsite enrichment with a provider of our choice. Key stage 3 will visit working farms, UTC Lego workshop are onsite at RWP and BAE systems are joining us here. Watch out for this space to share the news of this year’s STEM Festival.

How is the subject delivered?

STEM Connections is planned through each key stage to cover all aspects including ICT. Maths targets are linked to key topic areas, throughout the year where appropriate. Progression is planned through sequential small steps of learning linked to stage not age. The progress of pupils is supported by scientific thinking and exploration through curriculum topics. The skills are embedded within the termly topics to deliver a high-quality practical hands-on experience.

Progress in STEM is recorded and further personalisation is targeted by pupil’s individual EHCP targets where teachers adapt lessons for full inclusivity and individuality.

Impact and accreditation

The impact of the curriculum is measured by increasing independence of pupils to engage in using specialist equipment for a purpose whilst developing engineering mindsets. Pupils are more engaged and have a curiosity for learning. They feel confident to make mistakes and try something new. This is measured through the progressive steps linked to personalised EHCP targets recorded on earwig.

As a result of STEM learning CPD, teaching assistants and teachers have signed up to specialist SEND STEM online courses which range from managing behaviour for learning to Supporting Autistic learners in school (STEM.)

The curriculum is inclusive to all pupils by developing STEM Skills at all levels.

Making things that work & making things better
Curiosity
Open-mindedness
Resilience
Collaboration
Reflection
Ethical consideration

As a result of the IET funded First Lego League Challenge, the pupils will use and apply the First core values and engineering design process to develop robot and innovation project solutions. Identify and research a problem related to the session theme and then design and create an innovation project solution. Identify a mission strategy and design, create and code a robot to complete missions. Test, iterate and improve their robot design and innovation project. Communicate their robot design and innovation project and demonstrate their robot in the robot game.

The pupils experience and explore using the engineering design process – identify, design, create, iterate and communicate.

After the initial challenge is complete, the kit will be available for staff training and use for all classes.

Reading across the curriculum

The library has a full range of STEM books of interest to support topic, e.g. Tara Binn and Dani Binns STEM adventure books. These can be booked out and offer teaching ideas for cross curricular learning that is easily adapted for inclusive access to learning.

Linking with our vision

The STEM curriculum supports the school's vision by providing the opportunity to develop lifelong skills for disadvantaged young people. Engaging STEM lessons improve attainment, build confidence and self-esteem. Developing STEM skills for life helps young people to close the disability employment gap which supports career opportunities and meets Gatsby benchmarks - supporting post-16 development.