STEM

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum at Bishop Ramsey School provides students with knowledge and skills to design, make and evaluate, creating a personal response to a design brief and or theme.

Students explore a range of materials, developing the skills and knowledge to form innovative outcomes using specialist tools and equipment, safely and effectively.

Links to industry and employment are fostered throughout. Food and Nutrition is very popular at Key Stage 4 with further GCSE options available from September 2024.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 STEM curriculum is delivered to all students across Year 7, 8 and 9 on a nine week rotation basis and encompasses; Food and Nutrition, Product Design, Systems and Control and Textiles.

Food and Nutrition

All students study Food and Nutrition in Years 7 and 8 and 9 as part of their STEM course.

In Year 7 students learn basic cooking skills and how to be confident in the kitchen.  We cover the topics of healthy eating, current government guidelines for a healthy diet, the nutrients in our food, food packaging and food waste.

In Year 8 we build upon basic cooking skills with a focus on making meals so that students can feed themselves and others.  We cover various theory topics such as the future of food, environmental issues, where our food comes from and nutrition.

In Year 9 students learn vital life skills and become independent and confident cooks. They will also gain a sound knowledge of nutrition, diet and health; British and international cuisines, the basic principles of food science and current issues with food and the environment.

Product Design

Following a clear design brief, students engage in a period of research and design exploring a range of materials and fabrication methods to produce two unique products. In project one students use CAD design to create a sign for a shop. In project two, student design and make a custom piece of jewellery.

Systems and Processes

Building the foundations of electronics and computer programming, Sytems and Control introduces the concept of components and circuits. Theory is blended with hands on experiments starting with scrappy circuits and progressing to soldering your own moisture sensor. The course then moves to learning the fundamentals of physical computer programming using Micro bits.

Robots your thing? Bishop Ramsey supplements curriculum learning with LEGO Masters after school club.

Textiles

Students design and make a tote bag inspired by the art of Henri Matisse. The research and design stage encompasses primary research, developing their photography and drawing. Students will learn fundamental construction, and embellishment techniques using a range of media to create a personal outcome.

For our Key Stage 4 and 5 STEM course details, please see the separate Food and Nutrition and Product Design subject information.