Mon. Nov 18th, 2024
STEAM

10,000 schoolchildren return to Thorpe Park for thrilling educational event

ACS International Schools announces highly anticipated STEAM at Thorpe Park on 15 October 2024. Following the success of 2022 launch, this year’s event is already sold out.  10,000 primary and secondary school students will attend. Over 50 organisations, including Barclays and Microsoft, make it an exciting day of hands-on learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM).

A unique learning experience

UK’s top organisations, including Surrey Police, the Royal Air Force, Barclays, Microsoft, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra join in. They will host workshops and activities designed to spark interest in STEAM subjects and boost career prospects for students. The focus is on practical engagement, making learning fun and inspiring careers in these dynamic fields.

Incorporating the power of gamification, students must show evidence of participation in educational activities throughout the day before accessing the theme park’s exhilarating rides. Stamps will be awarded upon completion of each workshop, and students then redeem for free rollercoaster rides—a clever way to motivate learning while adding excitement to the day.

Thrills and learning combined

Lesley Lawrence, Headteacher at West Byfleet Junior School, shared her enthusiasm following the 2022 event: “We are still coming down to earth – quite literally! It was beyond our expectations, and to see such joy on the faces of our children was simply brilliant.”

Bridging the skills gap

Graeme Lawrie MBE, Partnerships Director at ACS International Schools, is excited for the return of STEAM in 2024. “ACS International Schools is delighted to return to Thorpe Park with our partners for this exciting event. Our goal is to inspire the next generation and encourage them to consider careers in STEAM. With the current skills shortage in these fields, it is crucial that we bridge this gap now to ensure young people have access to these opportunities,” said Lawrie.

Join the excitement

This is a powerful example of how collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners can inspire and motivate young people. For those interested in learning more about ACS International Schools and their innovative approach to education, visit ACS International Schools.

STEAM promises to be even bigger and better, setting young minds on the path towards exciting careers in the ever-evolving fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.

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By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.

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