BOM has been delivering a fantastic Schools programme over the last 12 months, despite the many disruptions caused by Covid-19. We have worked with more than 400 learners across 11 different schools in priority places across the West Midlands in Key Stage 2 and 3.
We have created a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & maths) programme which we have tailored to the different needs of our partnership SEND (special educational needs and disability) specialist schools, mainstream and virtual learners. All of our workshops have been developed and informed by BOM’s exhibiting artists and Residents, such as; live-coding performances with music and visuals; the search for microbes in extreme environments; and growing bacterial skins for mummified pharaohs to name just a few on offer.
Schools have faced many challenges over the last couple of years and it has been a pleasure to welcome teachers and learners back to BOM. We feel this has been a much needed opportunity for learners to get out into our educational spaces, connect with new people, try hands-on experiences, meet STEAM professionals and think about their futures in a way they haven’t been able to throughout the pandemic.
Through all the work that we do with learners we encourage creativity, problem-solving, and most importantly critical thinking through mistakes. The pressure on learners in the national curriculum is becoming more evident than ever before. We have brought enriched experiences to under-represented and marginalised groups, in particular neurodivergent and SEND learners. Through this we nurture positive, safe spaces to encourage learners independence and joy of achievement.
BOM’s STEAM programme is the culmination of over four years development of projects where we have learnt through listening to feedback, adapting, and refining our workshops to ensure they have the most impact for learners. Many schools have returned to BOM with new classes and year groups to take part in our sessions. It makes all the difference to our engagement team to see the same learners throughout the years as they develop confidence, social skills and enthusiasm for STEAM.
We now look forward to working more closely with BOM’s new Residents to create even better inclusive workshops and aim to collaborate with schools further on longer term programmes. We can’t wait!
If you would like to learn more about BOM STEAM School Programme or get in touch about our engagement offers get in touch with Laurie at laurie@bom.org.uk
