STEAM: at the heart of our curriculum
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching the links between science and arts disciplines.
STEAM is key to Florimont’s educational programme. We are one of the first private schools in Switzerland to receive the MINT label from the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) in recognition of our investment in science subjects.
Our educational approach to STEAM
The STEAM approach is innovative and outward looking, focussing on the link between school subjects and the real world, in industry, science and the arts.
We favour a transversal, multidisciplinary approach to teaching different topics and are open to new technologies and computational thinking such as coding, physical computing and robotics.
This places STEAM subjects at the heart of 21st-century learning, along with critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills which are introduced gradually as students progress.
STEAM in Cycle (Middle School)
The Cycle science and mathematics programmes have been revised to increase the focus on STEAM. There have been changes to physics-chemistry, impacting on the maths programme, and biology is also affected.
From 6ème, students take sessions in the FabLab to explore the technologies available and introduce them to STEAM.
In 5ème, there is greater discussion in class about the links across multiple subjects. Teachers task students with activities that call on acquired or new skills.
The projects set in 4ème are more extensive with students working on a single topic over several weeks common to most of their subjects.
STEAM in Secondaire 2 (Diplomas)
In Secondaire 2, students will work on projects for their chosen options that rely on the skills acquired in Cycle. Their knowledge of available tools and possible links between subjects will be vital for academic success and their professional future.
Florimont invites established members of the scientific world, such as University of Geneva and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne with whom the Institut has close links, to address students.
FabLab, a dedicated scientific space
For everything from robot-building to computer-aided design, the FabLab is ideal for exploring, understanding and applying the concepts of STEAM. A workspace equipped for students to learn carpentry, sewing and electronics, it also has a 3D printer and a laser cutter for more complex projects.
Like our library, the FabLab is open every lunch time.
Essential digital skills
We use fascinating and fun resources to teach the digital skills so vital in today’s world. Students use iPads and MacBooks from Cycle (Middle School) to access educational materials.
FabLab staff are also available to help students use these tools outside class time to work on their own robotics projects and perfect their typing skills.
The importance of computational thinking
Computational thinking, which includes coding and robotics, is an essential modern skill. Students make simulations and models to understand scientific concepts and use programming to develop problem-solving.
STEAM events
The Institut holds events all year round to showcase students’ skills such as the school’s annual science fair, an opportunity to highlight the different STEAM fields, and external events like hackathons and programming contests or robot competitions where students can try new challenges and push their limits.
Extra optional activities
The Institut offers a wide range of extracurricular activities focussing on specific software or topics, including TechSpark camps in the summer holidays.
