Steam

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics

STEAM in our School

STEAM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Through STEAM, students develop key skills including: problem solving and creativity.

Here in Rehins N.S., we build and cultivate knowledge, attitudes and skills in STEAM disciplines through socially responsive and innovative research, experiential and inquiry-based teaching and learning.

Throughout the curriculum we have many opportunities to work within the STEAM approach.

School Garden

Our flowerbeds, polytunnel and butterfly garden are a very important part of our school life. Children get to see part of rural life in the town. They get the opportunity to plant seeds, do some weeding, add compost and learn about the importance of crop rotation.

Every class has its own cultivation plot where a variety of vegetables and flowers are grown each year. We have created a nectar patch in our wildlife garden/butterfly garden, the purpose of which is to encourage butterflies to come to the garden.

In the infant classroom over the years, they have observed the butterfly life cycle. Classes have looked after caterpillars and taken them through to adult butterfly stage and released them to our gardens.

Science and Technology

Classes across the age levels take part in Science week each year. Each year the children take part in a range of interesting activities and experiments. The infant classes go on many nature walks around the grounds of Mount Falcon. They learn about the wildlife, trees and plants that surround the classes

In Rehins NS we have a wide range of modern IT equipment creating a vivid sensory experience for the students in our school. Teachers incorporate technology in education to gain access to a wider variety of learning resources, improve students’ skills and enhance the learning experience.

Interactive whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards can be found in every classroom, where teachers deliver dynamic, interactive lessons which encourage student engagement. The use of these interactive whiteboards ensures that teachers can accommodate all learning styles.

Chromebooks

The school has class set Chromebooks where students can access online resources, education activities and games, creating movie clips, projects, practice touch typing and engage in online learning.

Laptops/tablets and iPads

All teachers have a school laptop with which to plan, collaborate and teach online lessons. In Rehins NS we use Google Workspace for Education thus providing a secure online learning environment. Some of the many Google Education Apps used by both teachers and students are Google Classroom, Meet, Docs, Slides, Calendar, Forms, Gmail, Drive and Assignments. We have found Google Education a wonderful asset when teaching both online and in the classroom.

Our school has several iPads that are used in the different classrooms. Children in our Autism classrooms engage with age appropriate technology through the use of apps and interactive activities on the iPads.

Bee Bots

Bee bots are an exciting programmable floor robot, designed specifically for use by children. These colourful, easy to use robots teach sequencing, estimation, problem- solving, coding and improve visual spatial development. Bee Bots and the accompanying mats are a great tool to have in the classroom and our students really enjoy using and working with them.

Inclusion through Assistive Technology

We provide the opportunity for children who have difficulty with speech, hearing and writing to fully participate in lessons. Some examples of the assistive technology we have are laptops with modified software, keyboards, and audiology equipment.

Engineering

4th class have taken part in Robotics and coding. Working with Robotics, children can enhance their problem solving skills and become critical thinkers. Classrooms use Plus Plus Bricks to create and engineer 3D models.

Art

The Arts are very important here in Rehins. The children have an opportunity to join the school choir and sing at public events and church celebrations. Children over the years have left with the skills of learning and playing the tin whistle, knitting, crocheting and tapestry. Children have created 3D models, clay creations and fabric and fibre. Children take part in Nativity plays in Junior Infants and seasonal performances.

Maths

Maths week is always a very popular week in Rehins. The classrooms take part in exciting events, including a daily maths challenge, maths trails, and "Guess the Pom Poms in the Jar" competition. Each class has a range of maths activities, from 2D and 3D construction, Bee Bot programming, interactive maths games on iPads, baking, water play etc.