STEM
Charlotte Phillips finds out how our local schools are keeping STEM subjects relevant to the current generation and their future careers in a fast-paced world ROOTS to STEM
T echnology is evolving at an almost unimaginable rate. Like the White Queen in Through the Looking-Glass , it feels totally natural to believe in up to six impossible science-related things before breakfast, if not more. Where STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) are concerned, almost anything you might imagine, however far-fetched, could be well on its way to becoming a reality in a lab near you – the brainchild of one of our area’s fantastically gifted whiz kids. And, as that rate of innovation continues to accelerate, schools are becoming more and more creative in the way they introduce, teach and get pupils excited about STEM subjects. Not that they need much convincing, if the popularity of STEM subjects post-16 is anything to go by, with maths, psychology, biology and chemistry heading the A-level leader table, and physics not far behind. Rapid growth within STEM industries, innovation and technologies is also leading to increased pressure from industry and the government to ensure a future-proofed workforce. “Employers have been pushing for a field of future candidates that can respond and evolve to the new jobs and the skills that these jobs require,” explains Lindsey Bryant, head of biology at Abbey College Cambridge. While pupils’ underlying interest in STEM subjects is stronger than ever, it’s essential that they can see how the content they’re learning relates to the wider picture, including issues such as sustainability and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). No missing links Everything from AI and coding to green initiatives and environmental science “is supported by maths, physics, the other sciences, design technology and engineering,” says Cameron Holmes, head of physics at Kimbolton School.
And as technology is increasingly woven into every aspect of pupils’ lives, schools need to make those links explicit, adds Andrew Severy, computer science coordinator for St Mary’s Junior School, Cambridge. “If our STEM teaching isn’t clearly connected to that reality, we risk losing them. Specialist-taught lessons give us continuity and a coherent progression of skills – but the content has to keep pace with the world our pupils live in.” Therefore, it’s not only a case of looking at what is taught in STEM lessons, but also how it’s taught – something that “requires the ability to think innovatively and work effectively with others, as well as strong technical knowledge,” says Cristina Alves Martins, head of science at Abbey College Cambridge. Innovative ways of learning are key, she maintains: “Schools need to design curricula that go beyond the transmission of knowledge and instead foster a balance of technical expertise and soft skills.” That means bringing collaboration and creativity into lessons, which then facilitates different perspectives being shared and more closely reflects real-life working. “This approach not only improves engagement, but also prepares students with the adaptability, creativity and interpersonal skills they will need for future careers,” she says. At St Faith’s, too, STEM provision is always adapting and evolving to ensure that pupils have the skills they need in an increasingly complex and technology- driven world. “STEM is not just about subject knowledge, but about developing logical reasoning, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that are transferable across all areas of life,” says the school. Dynamic though this approach is, it’s not without its pressures. Schools are increasingly expected to keep abreast of the ever-changing frontiers of technological innovation and adapt accordingly. And, of course, imparting all those valuable, STEM-transferable skills must
GET STUCK IN Abbey College Cambridge (right) goes above and beyond to encourage participation in STEM subjects by offering hands-on practicals and an extensive programme for aspiring medical and veterinary students
48 JULY 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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