Planning for the future with STEAM

Introducing STEAM into curriculums can be a challenge. Read how these Otago Peninsula Principals led by example to collaborate and bring on experts such as OfficeMax to create the Otakou STEAM Cluster.

Descriptions such as "Collaborative", "Critical Thinker" and "Problem Solver" have become more and more valuable on our CVs. And for good reason. As technology shrinks our world, students of today must prepare to enter a workforce that is connected, fast-paced and ever-changing.

But how do you teach collaboration, empathy and critical thinking when you also have a curriculum, and little-to-no resources? This was the challenge the Otago Peninsula Principals decided to tackle. Led by Tony Hunter, Principal of Tahuna Normal Intermediate and with the help of Iain Cook-Bonney, ICT Facilitator. Their goal: to help develop "Global Citizens". I.e. empathetic, collaborative students who are also well-versed in the STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).

School budgets—as notoriously tight as they are—meant Tony and Iain had to do some creative thinking of their own to get this goal underway. The solution came in two parts:

The Challenge

Once the Otakou STEAM Cluster secured their funding, it was time to start stocking their schools with the materials, technology and equipment they needed to execute this three-year plan.

After approaching several suppliers it became more and more evident that they were unlikely to get all the products they wanted from one supplier. Not only that, but often the quoted prices were out of their budget.

The Solution

Iain had the foresight to check with Tahuna Normal Intermediate's OfficeMax Account Manager, Scott McIntosh. To his delight, Scott assured him, "You want it, you got it!" OfficeMax was able to provide the Otakou Cluster with all the products they needed, either at cost or below what they had budgeted for.

The Result

1. Well-stocked schools:

With a focus on Technology and Art for 2019, Tony and Iain have made sure the nine Cluster Schools have been well supplied with cutting-edge products.

With a three-year plan in place, some of these products will be used across the board, while others are more focused on the year's subjects: Botleys and mBots, for example.

Most importantly, the smaller schools in the region—which previously did not have the resource to access these products—now have access to all the resources they need. Whether it's products or workshops and support for their teachers.

2. Happy teachers:

Iain and his team have already run eight workshops, with another eight on the way. These workshops help teachers discover and learn about their new tools, as well as providing them with the support of and connection to other teachers in their region.

3. Engaged students:

While it's early days still for the students, Iain says the engagement has been high. To track progress, they will be surveying students across the next three years. We look forward to seeing how the Otakou Cluster students develop!