Nord Anglia launches new STEAM program with Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nord Anglia Education has today announced a new collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which will see the two institutions develop and implement a science, technology, engineering, visual arts and mathematics (STEAM) program across Nord Anglia’s 42 schools worldwide.

Launching in September 2016, the program includes the development of a series of in-school challenges for students aged 8–12 years old which focus on the juncture between the five STEAM disciplines. This recognises that many of today’s innovations arise from the intersection of these different subjects; from art and engineering to technology and science.

In addition to the in-school activities, the collaboration will see students across the Nord Anglia network travelling to Massachusetts to participate in an exclusive program each spring, providing them with the opportunity to learn directly from lecturers and students at one of the world’s leading STEAM institutions. Nord Anglia STEAM discipline teachers will also benefit from unique professional development opportunities through annual workshops and ongoing training with MIT staff, hosted by the MIT Museum.

Core to the collaboration is the reflection of MIT’s philosophy of ‘Mens et Manus’, ‘mind and hand’, which calls for a hands-on approach to problem solving. Through this approach, Nord Anglia students will develop key transferable skills, such as flexibility, creativity and communication, which can be employed across all academic subjects, and in future careers.

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer at Nord Anglia Education, said: “As educators, it is our role to ignite our students’ ambitions and prepare them for tomorrow’s challenges. This new programme with MIT will ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they will need in the future workplace, and that they learn these skills in an inspiring way.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for both our students and teachers to benefit from the expertise of one of the world’s preeminent education institutions. With our performing arts curriculum developed in conjunction with The Juilliard School, and this exciting collaboration with MIT, we have placed excellence at the core of our already world class offering, positioning our schools at the forefront of innovative education.”

John Durant, Director of the MIT Museum and Founder of the Cambridge Science Festival said, “Collaborating with Nord Anglia has enabled us to develop something truly exciting. The activities we have created for Nord Anglia students take a unique approach to problem solving, working across disciplines and promoting collaboration between students in the creation of innovative solutions to real world challenges.

“We hope the collaboration with Nord Anglia will inspire students and staff alike, and provide students with key transferable skills that can be employed throughout their lives.”

The initial programme will launch in 13 inaugural schools in September 2016, and is expected to expand to educate more than 35,000 students at Nord Anglia’s 42 international schools in following years. This new venture comes one year after Nord Anglia Education launched its performing arts collaboration with The Juilliard School.