Full STEAM Ahead At ACS International Schools’ Thorpe Park Event

Yesterday (15 October), Thorpe Park opened its doors exclusively for 10,000 primary and secondary students attending the ACS International Schools’ STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) 2024 event.

Building on the power of gamification in education, students participated in the educational STEAM activities from over 50 of ACS International Schools’ partners – including the Royal Air Force, Microsoft and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – to turn their learning into coupons for rides on Thorpe Park’s rollercoasters.

Speaking about the STEAM 2024 event, ACS International Schools’ Partnerships Director, Graeme Lawrie MBE, said: ‘What a day it has been, welcoming over 10,000 students and our partners to Thorpe Park for a truly unforgettable educational experience. Collaborations such as this not only highlight the importance of ACS International Schools’ charitable mission, but also the positive impact of working together to inspire career paths in STEAM. A huge thank you to all of the individuals and organisations that supported us for a rollercoaster day of learning.’

Eagle-eyed readers will know that this is not the first event of its kind from ACS International Schools. Two years ago, the group intrepidly pioneered the STEAM 2022 event – which provided activities from giant robots and live science demonstrations to orchestral performances and seeing supersonic cars.

So what’s the idea behind the initiative? ‘The aim of the event is to inspire the next generation and encourage them to consider careers in this industry,’ says Lawrie. ‘With a current career shortage, it is more essential than ever that we bridge the skills gap now to ensure young people have access to these opportunities.’

So there you have it – outreach and inspiration are the heart of the STEAM 2024. Many of the students had never been to a theme park before, let alone one specifically designed to create such an interactive, varied and enriching learning experience. ‘We are still coming down to earth – most literally from an absolutely marvellous day at Thorpe Park!’ Lesley Lawrence, Headteacher at West Byfleet Junior School was quoted as saying in reference to the previous event. ‘It was beyond our expectations and to see such joy on the faces of our children was simply brilliant.’

And by all accounts, STEAM 2024 was just as much of a resounding success. It’s no surprise, considering the core values of the initiative. ‘At ACS International Schools,’ says Lawrie, ‘we aim to increase collaboration, share expertise and good practice, widen educational opportunities and raise standards across our partnerships network in key subjects such as STEAM.’