Background:
Improving access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics is for the Robert Owen Society the core of all learning. In so doing we seek to arrive , by agreement, at a clear philosophical definition of Mathematics that demonstrates clearly its holistic nature and application to all learning.
For us the need is clear because business and industry across the western world broadcast that future ready employees need to have multiple areas of expertise or at least be able to appreciate how a range of skills fit together .
Teachers have long reported that working in cross curricular STEM settings they frequently see their students making connections between concepts and solving problems in new and exciting ways. They show this by active engagement with their discoveries visible in enthusiastic moments of awe and wonder .
Historically STEM has represented science, technology, engineering and Mathematics. STEAM represents STEM plus the Arts – humanities, languages, arts, dance, drama, music, visual arts, design and new media. For the Robert Owen Society the main difference between STEM and STEAM is that STEM explicitly focuses on scientific concepts. STEAM investigates the same concepts, but does this through inquiry and problem based learning methods used in the creative process with Mathematics as a core to the whole process.
The co-operative ethos of the Robert Owen Society will work to encourage groups of learners to work collaboratively to create a visually appealing product or artefact that is based in understanding of a STEM concept such as the mathematics of the parabola used to create fine art and imagery.
The Robert Owen Society contends that STEAM is important because it will provide students 3-18+ years with the opportunity to learn creatively, using 21st Century skills such as problem solving. We wish to lead the way in helping to grow a future ready work force that understands the potential of “what if” when solving problems that occur in life. They will also help to point us in the direction of 22nd Century skills – connection; care; community; culture; relationships ; holistic thinking.
We in the Robert Owen Society recognise that STEAM is an embryo global movement with the potential to be a deal breaker. It has already attracted the interest of some leading Russel Group universities . We further contend that with STEAM we can challenge pre-conceptions that learning areas are separate and not connected. We will help students to move past the “I am no good at Maths but I am creative” road block of thinking .
We will change the way we see STEM problems and help to create a new way of thinking that is engaging , multi faceted and inclusive with diversity of representation and thought. This will be a reflection of how the real world should be as we seek to preserve both civil society and our planet.
How we seek to achieve this:
It is the intention of the Robert Owen Society to seek a wide discussion on our proposals with education and training providers in the border areas of England and Wales. We will specifically build on the lessons of the national TVEI projects and the evaluation of the former Robert Owen Academy which can be found on this website. The discussions will focus around :
Time line:
The Robert Owen Society would seek to start working with potential partners in summer term 2024 with a view to finalising a costed proposal by November 2024 . This would then be offered to potential funding partners
with a view to a delivery start on 1st September 2025.
Are you interested? If so please send an initial, no obligation, email to the Robert Owen Society Secretary, Chris Morgan, on chris@robertowensociety.org
Interested in becoming a member of the Robert Owen society? Then please sign up for our newsletter and details of membership.
