While it’s still July, it’s full “STEAM” ahead for a unique school in the Kawartha Lakes.
Children in grades 4 through 6 who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) can now register for “STEAM School,” which is being offered by Pinnguaq and starts in September in Lindsay.
“We are hoping that this school offers a new way for youth in the community to deeply explore topics that interest them in an environment focused entirely on STEAM,” Ryan Oliver, CEO and founder of Pinnguaq, told kawarthaNOW.
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“The best thing that could happen would be to have youth who find a reward and a focus for their interest in any of these topics and find a community willing to grow with them and at their pace,” Oliver added.
It’s a world increasingly powered by science, technology, engineering, art and math, Pinnguaq noted in a media release.
“Through our decade of experience developing and delivering STEAM education, we’ve repeatedly heard that learners want to dive deeper into STEAM exploration. STEAM School creates this opportunity by supplementing existing education with immersive, enriched science, technology, engineering art and math programming, in a fun, hands-on way.”
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Offered two days a week beginning September 10, the school encourages students to explore real-world challenges and apply critical thinking, as they delve into STEAM subjects.
Educators are certified and class sizes are small, which provides immersive, inquiry-based learning that aligns with the Ontario curriculum “while providing flexibility in methodologies, allowing students to engage with content in innovative ways,” the media release noted.
“(STEAM School) is ideal for anyone in grades 4 through 6 who is looking for an opportunity to explore specialization in an academic environment,” Oliver said, when asked who ideal candidates for the program would be.
“We truly believe that everyone, regardless of background, will find opportunities to pursue interests in a more dedicated and focused environment and in our brand new building at 12 Peel Street in Lindsay.”
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The first semester stretches from September through December. The release noted STEAM School helps learners:
- Advance their knowledge of STEAM subjects, to build a foundation for future growth.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the STEAM-powered world and how they can contribute to it in meaningful ways.
- Explore their interests in an inclusive, culturally responsive community of like-minded peers, while building relationships and a sense of belonging.
- Leverage the latest learning tools, technology and resources, in an innovative learning environment.
STEAM School offers attendance and enrolment options. Individual days can be purchased for $65, an eight-pack of days is $60 per day, and a full semester – two days per week — is $55 per day.
Space is extremely limited, Pinnguaq noted. To register and for more information about the upcoming semester, visit steamschools.ca.
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Originally from Lindsay, Oliver worked for almost nine years for the territorial government in Nunavut, where he founded the not-for-profit Pinnguaq Association in Pangnirtung in 2012 to provide Nunavummiut youth access to technology through games.
Pinnguaq now works alongside rural, remote, Indigenous, and other communities, and strives to deliver programs for people of all ages to cultivate STEAM skills through innovative technology, art, and play. It offers “world-class Makerspaces,” maker kits and activities, and works with educators to introduce children to a STEAM-based curriculum that brings learning to life.
Pinnguaq recently transformed the former Lindsay Public Works building at 12 Peel Street into a community hub and STEAM education facility.
