Students across Bermuda spent their summer building, designing, experimenting and exploring future career opportunities through the Department of Education’s STEAM Academy, which concluded its summer programme on 7 August.
Held from 1 July to 7 August, the Academy provided hands-on learning opportunities for primary students aged 7 to 12 and launched a successful pilot senior programme for students aged 13 to 15.
The primary programme combined creativity and practical learning through activities including woodwork, mathematics, soldering, games and the arts. Students were encouraged to develop their problem-solving, teamwork and critical-thinking skills while learning through hands-on projects.
For the first time, students aged 13 to 15 participated in a dedicated senior course focused on mathematics, trades, electrical engineering and career orientation. The pilot programme allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and explore potential career pathways.
A highlight of the senior programme was a series of career-orientation visits to workplaces and organisations across Bermuda. Students visited Tynes Bay, Greenlight, The Reefs Hotel, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, Dolphin Quest, Bermuda Broadcasting Company, CariGenetics and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).
The visits provided students with first-hand insight into different industries, workplace environments and the academic requirements to pursue a range of careers. A key objective of the senior programme is to help prepare students for NCCER certification.
As an extension of the practical learning experience, a select group of senior students will also undertake minor tasks, including light fixture replacement and outdoor electrical repairs, allowing them to put their developing skills into practice.
Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, visited the STEAM Academy during its recent open house, where he viewed the students' designs and projects and spoke with participants about their experiences.
Minister Rabain praised students’ creativity and skills. Students' projects were impressive. Many of the projects require considerable time, calculation and skill to create. Senior students explained that the career orientation and site visits provided great insight into how businesses and operations are managed. The feedback for the students was very encouraging, and we look forward to offering the programme, which is open to all island school students, next year,” said Minister Rabain.
The Minister also recognised the team behind the programme, adding: “I commend Mr. Neville Zuill and his team for providing an excellent summer STEAM Enrichment experience for the students.
With the successful completion of the senior pilot, the STEAM Academy is positioned to continue expanding opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics while developing practical skills and gaining a clearer understanding of potential career pathways.”
