The Lyceum School: STEAM powerhouse
If you’ve been hearing a lot about STEAM education lately, you’re not alone. Schools, educators, and parents are increasingly embracing this integrated approach to learning, which combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. As a leading STEAM school, The Lyceum School brings this approach to life by creating hands-on, inspiring learning experiences that engage children across all disciplines. But what exactly does that mean for your child, and how does it come to life in the classroom? Let’s break it down.
What is STEAM education?
At its core, STEAM education encourages students to explore and experiment across multiple disciplines. It’s a holistic approach that recognises how the subjects in the acronym are deeply interconnected. Instead of teaching them in isolation, STEAM weaves them together to show how the principles of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics work in the real world.
For example, a student might use coding (technology) to design a robot (engineering), then apply mathematical concepts to measure its movements and use their creativity (arts) to make the robot visually appealing. By combining these elements, students get a more comprehensive, hands-on understanding of how things function, both in the classroom and beyond.
Why is STEAM important?
STEAM education isn’t just about preparing children for careers in science or technology; it’s about giving them the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need in all aspects of life. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the traditional siloed approach to education doesn’t always meet the needs of students. With STEAM, children are taught to think creatively, analyse problems from multiple perspectives, and collaborate across disciplines within the STEAM fields.
What’s the difference between STEAM and STEM?
This approach also fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts. While STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has been the focus for many years, the integration of the arts is what sets STEAM apart. By making space for artistic expression in scientific and technical learning, students can improve both their creative thinking and technical problem-solving abilities.
How is STEAM taught at The Lyceum School?
At The Lyceum School, STEAM is more than just a buzzword, it’s a philosophy that shapes the way students approach learning. The school’s unique approach places a strong emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and exploration, empowering students to see the world through multiple lenses.
- Interdisciplinary projects
At The Lyceum School, STEAM isn’t taught in isolation. Students regularly engage in interdisciplinary projects that challenge them to apply skills from across all five areas. For example, a student might work on designing a model of a sustainable city, combining principles of engineering, mathematics, and technology with a creative design concept. By working on projects that bridge various subjects, students develop not only academic knowledge but also the ability to think critically and collaborate with peers from different disciplines. - Hands-on learning
The school’s commitment to hands-on learning means students aren’t just reading about theories, they’re applying them. Whether it’s creating a digital art installation, constructing a bridge out of everyday materials, or designing a mobile app, The Lyceum School offers opportunities for students to engage in real world problems, encouraging innovation and creativity along the way. - Collaboration across subjects
Collaboration is a key aspect of the STEAM approach. At The Lyceum, students often work together in teams, blending their individual strengths and expertise. This collaborative spirit mirrors the way the professional world functions, where creative teams often bring together individuals with diverse backgrounds to solve complex problems. Through teamwork, students not only learn to communicate effectively but also to appreciate the strengths of different disciplines. - Emphasis on the arts
What truly sets The Lyceum apart is its deep focus on the arts within the STEAM framework. The school understands that the arts are not just a ‘nice-to-have,’ but a crucial part of a child’s overall development. By incorporating elements of design, music, drama, and visual arts into technical projects, students gain a richer, more well-rounded perspective of how to approach problem-solving and innovation. - Developing critical soft skills
Beyond technical expertise, The Lyceum’s STEAM programme places a strong emphasis on developing essential life skills. Students hone their abilities in communication, resilience, creativity, and collaboration. These soft skills are just as important as academic knowledge in preparing students for the future, whether they pursue a career in the sciences or the arts.
“The Owlery” – The Lyceum’s STEAM room
At The Lyceum School, our bespoke STEAM room, affectionately known as “The Owlery”, is a vibrant, purpose-built space where creativity and innovation flourish. Designed to inspire and ignite curiosity, it offers students the freedom to explore, experiment, and engage with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics in a hands-on, imaginative environment.
From constructing remote-controlled Mars rovers to crafting musical instruments with simple circuits, our STEAM curriculum encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and approach challenges with confidence. With guidance from our experienced Head of STEAM, Paul Clifford, and a curriculum that bridges disciplines and sparks real-world connections, learning becomes an exciting adventure where fun and discovery go hand in hand.
Is STEAM education right for my child?
As a parent, you might be wondering whether STEAM is the right educational path for your child. The beauty of the STEAM approach is that it accommodates a wide range of interests and learning styles. Whether your child excels in science and maths or has a flair for the arts, STEAM provides an environment where they can thrive.
Moreover, the skills learned through STEAM, creativity, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are universally valuable. These skills can set your child up for success, no matter where their academic or career path may lead.
At The Lyceum, the school’s commitment to STEAM means that your child will be encouraged to think outside the box, push boundaries, and explore new ways of learning. The integration of arts and technology ensures that students gain a comprehensive education that prepares them for the complexities of the modern world.
About The Lyceum School
The Lyceum School is a place where every child is cherished, known, and celebrated. Situated in the vibrant heart of the City of London, our school offers a nurturing, co-educational environment founded on the pillars of kindness, creativity, confidence, and community. We inspire a deep love of learning through an engaging, topic-based curriculum using London as our classroom, enriched by STEAM, language, arts, and wellbeing-focused initiatives like mindfulness and yoga.
With small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and a strong pastoral framework, including our House System and accessible pastoral support, we prioritise each child’s personal growth just as much as academic success.
Located near Old Street, Liverpool Street, Moorgate and Shoreditch stations, our modern, light-filled five-storey building with specialist art, science, STEAM studios and outdoor space provides a dynamic setting that’s seamlessly integrated with London’s rich cultural resources. At The Lyceum, learning comes alive every day, preparing children to become confident, compassionate, and curious individuals ready to contribute positively to the world.
Attend our Open day
Curious about life at The Lyceum? Come see it for yourself. Join one of our Open Days to explore our modern building, meet our lovely staff and feel the energy of our school community. You’ll get a real sense of what makes our independent co-ed school so special.
Can’t make it to an Open Day? No problem. Just contact our team to book a private tour.
📧 Email: registrar@lyceumschool.co.uk 📞 Phone: +44 (0)20 7247 1588
Final thoughts
In a rapidly changing world, education must evolve to equip students with the skills needed for the future. STEAM education offers a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration; skills that will serve your child for a lifetime. With schools like The Lyceum leading the way, your child can embrace the full potential of a STEAM education, preparing them to succeed in the world ahead.
