Brackenfield School in Harrogate has spent the week from Monday 2nd February to Friday 6th February immersed in all things Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, as pupils from Nursery to Year 6 took part in the school’s annual STEM Week.
Brackenfield School’s STEM Week once again proved to be a highlight of the academic calendar. With its blend of real‑world experiences, practical workshops and joyful exploration, the week showcased the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, inquisitive and future‑ready young learners.
The independent preparatory school places strong emphasis on preparing pupils for an increasingly tech‑driven world. Staff at Brackenfield believe that fluency in STEM is essential for young learners.
Mr Joe Masterson, Headmaster of Brackenfield School said:
Our whole school approach is to embed STEM in the curriculum throughout the year. During STEM week, we spotlight this approach through a packed programme of activities both on and off site.
The week began with a full day of workshops delivered by Northern Gas Networks, who introduced every pupil, from the youngest in Nursery to the oldest in Year 6, to the concepts of Net Zero, global warming and climate change.
Brackenfield’s mathematicians also had their moment to shine, as a team of Junior pupils represented the school in an online National Mathematics Championship Quiz. Results determining who will progress to the next round are eagerly awaited!
For the Nursery pupils, STEM Week brought an exciting trip to the Knaresborough Reptile House. The children found the animals captivating, particularly the resident skunk.
Years 1 and 2 enjoyed a behind‑the‑scenes experience at Harrogate Town AFC. The first school fortunate enough to visit, pupils explored the changing rooms, sat in the managers’ dugouts and even stepped into the press box, learning about the technology and teamwork that support a professional football club.
Year 3 ventured further afield to Bradford’s Science and Media Museum, where they explored interactive exhibits and took part in a gaming and technology festival enjoying a fascinating look at the evolution of gaming, from early consoles to cutting‑edge developments.
STEM Week also coincided with the NSPCC’s Number Day, which was woven into Maths lessons throughout the week.
Pupils from Reception to Year 6 and even teachers, took part in a whole school Rubik’s Cube Challenge.
The week concluded with Brackenfield’s much‑anticipated STEM Dress‑Up Day. Pupils arrived dressed as scientists, engineers, robots, astronauts and a whole array of imaginative STEM‑inspired characters. A number of pupils braved the rain and arrived at Harlow Carr for an 8am walk to school in their STEM inspired costumes. This initiative supports Zero Carbon Harrogate’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions and it was wonderful to see such enthusiastic participation despite the weather.
All Brackenfield’s pupils were entranced by a science show which delivered scientific concepts in abundance in a fun, interactive way. Afterwards, pupils rotated through mini‑workshops focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, each designed to spark curiosity and hands‑on engagement.
Staff, pupils and families alike agreed that it was a fantastic week, one that will inspire Brackens long after the final experiment has fizzled out.
