STEM

STEM and Outdoor Learning

Our school have demonstrated continued excellence in the field of STEM and Outdoor Learning. This is demonstrated by rising attainment levels across all curricular areas, by the scientific and investigative language used by our pupils and by our growing an accolade of awards and accreditations.

The Primary Science Quality Mark is a programme that helps schools to achieve a quality mark in science excellence. It focuses on developing effective, confident science leadership, for whole school impact on science teaching and learning. 

In 2019, our school was awarded PSQM status.  To date, only two schools in Northern Ireland have achieved the higher PSQM GILT award. This accreditation is testament to the continued dedication to and achievement in STEM and World Around Us in St Columba’s.

Our school was awarded NI STEM primary School of the Year in 2018

This year we were appointed as the lead school in an ENTHUSE Partnership for STEM. This is the first time that a Primary school has ever been asked to lead a partnership.

Our school was the lead school in a ground-breaking Primary Science Teaching Trust cluster, involving eight local schools working to develop STEM across the key stages, while also developing an in-depth framework for continued excellence in the area. Our pupils are developing the skills and attributes that will be required for tomorrow’s working world.

We facilitate an extremely popular STEM after school club for our pupils.         

The increase in the quality and quantity of STEM and outdoor learning in our school has enhanced the teaching and learning of all curricular areas and as a result we have observed our pupils growing in confidence and self-esteem.