Explore the Project
This innovative programme will unlock the power of arts in STEAM to give children and young people across Smethwick and Sandwell a chance to contribute to the thinking and future decisions of Midland Metropolitan University Hospital and to the STEAM curriculum in their schools. It will give young people the opportunity to design, develop and deliver their own programmes and ideas. Through this they will connect with their own creativity and problem-solving skills, building confidence, curiosity and resilience that will help them in their future career.
Term 1:
Time to Discover & Explore
Aim: Develop Curiosity - plus CPD for teachers & educators
Children participate in taster arts activities, researching artists, meeting experts, go on inspiring visits & share their discoveries. This could include:
● Going off site to visit artist studios
● An artist, expert or practitioner giving a talk at school
● Watching films/documentaries
● Using digital resources
● Visiting the new Hospital site
● Artist taster sessions in school
Term 2:
Skill Builder
Aim: To build competence & confidence
Designed to offer short, informative sessions that build practical STEAM skills.
These are sessions focused on instructional learning to gain or deepen specific skills and knowledge. This allows the teacher to learn alongside pupils. Skill builder sessions may be facilitated through a teacher, video tutorials, visitors, books, and guides. These sessions are short and focused. An example of a skill builder session would be how to design a 3D model for 3D printing or how to use the slot method to construct cardboard models.
Term 3:
Inquiry based learning
Aim: Deeper Engagagement
Commissioned artists will work with the children to creatively explore the themes through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics).
Building on the curiosity, confidence and competence developed throughout the exploration and skill builder activities this phase gives pupils the opportunity to engage deeply in creative thinking, problem solving and iteration. Working with artists children will develop an inquiry question or topic, which could be real world problems. Using their practical skills they may design prototypes and find innovative solutions. The emphasis is on the process of making and developing the STEAM mindset of working together and testing out their ideas.
