What is STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It encourages pupils to think outside the box. At BSS, we believe that that discovery is often found where different subjects overlap and develop the skills we believe will help create successful 21st Century citizens – flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. The opportunities of tomorrow may not have yet been realised. Science and technology continue to move rapidly and we, want to develop the skills your child needs to succeed in the 21st century.

STEM at BSS

Traditionally, Science and technology are taught separately. At BSS, pupils are encouraged to make connections between the different subjects and use the transferable skills they discover.

Science:

• Taught through the International Primary Years curriculum up to Gr 4
• Is taught as a subject from Gr 5 – Gr 8.
• From Gr 9, pupils have the opportunity to study Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, with the possibility of Environmental Management (EM)(IGCSE) and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)(IBDP)
• Use of a laboratory for practical experiments and work
• The use of technology overlaps here as the pupils use this in their research and presentations.

Technology:

• BSS is the first Digital School in Bulgaria to introduce iPads in Education.
• Two specialist ICT labs: one with PC and one with Mac computers.
• Develop the skills they need to use digital tools in an informed and effective way.
• Students are exposed to computer technology from Gr 1.
• In Gr 9 pupils take ICT as an IGCSE subject
• In Gr 11 pupils take ITGS (Information Technology in a Global Society)
• Technology is seen as an extension and enhancement to learning
• Digital drawing is also offered as an ECA

Engineering:

• Skills developed in Maths and Science can be transferred and used in this area
• We provide a fun, engaging, and hands-on opportunities to explore and experience this part of STEM.
• Grade 1-4 students work on an Educational Lego (Design and Technology)
• Grades 5-8 learn Robotics (including programming and working with the iPads)

Mathematics:

• This a core subject throughout the school and can be used in all the areas of STEM.

By integrating these elements, students are able to make connections, transfer knowledge and be innovative in their thinking.

Enchancing the Curriculum:

Mental Arithmetics:

BSS implemented Mental Maths in the curriculum. Why is this innovative method of teaching Maths so important and why we have decided to start teaching it?

• Mental Maths is a way of developing your child’s full potential. And this is one of our core values as a school.
• Mental Maths is an original and complete brain building method. It develops both sides of the brain and helps your child demonstrate both intellectual and creative skills. 
• Children will also develop photographic memory.

You can find more in our Blog section.

Robotics

Robotics is also a part of the STEM curriculum. Robotics involves creativity, programming skills, teamwork and a lot of fun. This subject fosters children's creativity and eagerness to try new things.

Lego and Design

At BSS we strive to deliver playful learning experiences that bring subjects to life in the classroom and make learning fun and impactful. That is why we offer LEGO learning as a part of our Design and Technology curriculum. It is offered in Kindergarten and Grades 1 -3 (Primary 1). LEGO learning inspires interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Lessons are engaging and provoke engineering thinking and early education in Math, Technology and Science.