Colne Primet Academy goes full stream ahead with new project despite pandemic

Colne Primet Academy had only just signed up to Steam School, an award-winning virtual academy, when the lockdown started so the online platform proved a boon.

The site connects students aged from nine to 14 with inspirational people from the worlds of Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Art and Maths.

Throughout the past three months the Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils at Primet have been working through various challenges and accessing entrepreneurs’ talks on their home computers, with teachers monitoring them remotely.

The academy's director of maths, Sarah Leak said: " Steam School started off as something I thought I could run as a STEM club. With the backing of our principal Dean Lythgoe, it quickly became a whole-school approach.

"We had our launch assemblies and were excited to get going; then lockdown happened and it really took off with the theme of entrepreneurs!.

‘Streaming broadcasts by young people with their own businesses gives our pupils the inspiration to go ahead and do it themselves.

"A lot of them have been getting in touch to tell me how much they have enjoyed it. I’ve had messages saying: ‘Thank you for sending the link to that video. It’s been motivating me and encouraging me during lockdown’."

Looking ahead to September, Sarah is considering what that blend of learning could look like for pupils at Colne Primet Academy, which is part of Pendle Education Trust.

She said: "Steam School is helping me to look at everything through fresh eyes. From extracurricular clubs with subject specialist drop-ins, to dedicating whole days to different broadcasts and entrepreneurs, mixed reality and sustainable living challenges, there are so many options open to us as we continue to support our pupils for the transition back into school."

Steam School founder Jade Parkinson-Hill said: " I am proud that we have been able to support Colne Primet Academy during this difficult time for pupils, teachers and parents. Steam School has helped to lighten teacher workload and save many hours of planning time, as well as to give pupils a ‘glimpse into the future’ with our weekly broadcast.