Outdoor STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Small group tuition, outdoors
Small group tuition, outdoors
Images of children are only ever used with express parental consent
What is Outdoor STEM?
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Freedom to learn...
Hi, I'm Amanda. Since 2018 I've been teaching academic science outdoors, to home-educated children aged four to sixteen. After years of classroom teaching I realised that children learn best when they really want to know something and are free to express themselves in a way that suits them as individuals. I wanted to offer freedom from the constraints of walls, tables and chairs; a zero-pressure approach and the freedom to choose how and when to join in. I wanted to allow children to express themselves physically and take control of their own learning, supporting them to find creative solutions, think openly and build confidence in their own ideas and abilities.... Outdoor STEM was born! |
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Academic learning, taught creatively...
In Outdoor STEM sessions, the learning and focus is academic but the process and application is creative. I keep groups small (max. eight students) to allow plenty of individual attention and the freedom to support each child to access learning however suits them best. I use exciting demonstrations and engaging challenges encourage children to want to know the answers. Then support them to find the answers themselves, whilst developing their understanding of scientific protocols and the importance of evidence-based solutions. |
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Learning in harmony with nature...
I find that by learning outdoors, children are both physically and mentally more free. The closeness with nature, combined with my zero-pressure approach allows children to develop confidence in their ability to think openly and believe in value of their ideas. We work in harmony with nature, taking every opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity, environmental balance and respect for the natural world, at the same as learning the science behind the environmental challenges facing us. |
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Linked to the National Curriculum, but not restricted to it...
Outdoor STEM sessions are predominantly science-based and linked to the National Curriculum for Science. Technology, Engineering and Maths are incorporated at throughout in a way that makes them purposeful. For example, in a session about pneumatics and hydraulics we may learn about the physics of gas and water pressure and the chemistry of the particle model and properties of liquids, solids and gases. We'd then use that knowledge to design, build and test working pneumatic and hydraulic machines. I aim to bridge the gap between exam-based education and hands-on, activity-based, student-led learning so that children build the skills, language and knowledge that exam-based assessment requires while enjoying the freedom to direct their own learning and feel ownership of their work. |
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'[...] and [...] were beaming from ear to ear when they had been to your class this morning and they declared..."its even better than forest school!" which is a huge compliment!'
Parent of Outdoor STEM students in the 5-8s group
Credentials
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "PDA for Educators" (PDA Society)
✅ Certified in "ADHD Awareness" (TES)
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fourteen years' experience teaching at exam level
✅ Experienced at teaching IGCSE (Edexcel and Cambridge), AQA & Edexcel.
✅ Over eight years' experience working closely with the home-educating community.
✅ Diverse experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "PDA for Educators" (PDA Society)
✅ Certified in "ADHD Awareness" (TES)
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fourteen years' experience teaching at exam level
✅ Experienced at teaching IGCSE (Edexcel and Cambridge), AQA & Edexcel.
✅ Over eight years' experience working closely with the home-educating community.
✅ Diverse experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
- Outdoor scientific experiments and explorations
- Outdoor engineering and applications of science
- Problem solving, teamwork, independent learning
- Environmentally focused
- Maximum group size of only eight students
- Linked to the National Curriculum, but not restricted to it
Who is it for?
There are four age groups spanning 4-16 year olds.
The age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different:
4-8s (with flexible accompaniment by you) (Wednesdays 12.45 to 1.45pm, term-time only)
6-10s (Mondays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
8-12s (Wednesdays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
11-16s (Fridays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
There are four age groups spanning 4-16 year olds.
The age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different:
4-8s (with flexible accompaniment by you) (Wednesdays 12.45 to 1.45pm, term-time only)
6-10s (Mondays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
8-12s (Wednesdays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
11-16s (Fridays 10 to 12am, term-time only)
Images of children are only ever used with express parental consent
Where is Outdoor STEM?
Outdoor STEM takes place at two sites in Sheffield, UK. Please see the Locations page for more details.
Outdoor STEM takes place at two sites in Sheffield, UK. Please see the Locations page for more details.
Outdoor STEM for 4-8s (with flexible accompaniment)
Children explore and experience the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, while learning key scientific words and concepts through exciting challenges, games and activities, in groups of no more than eight. Most importantly, they have lots of fun!
Parents and carers of children of ages 4-8, can choose and vary the level to which they accompany their child in order to develop their child's confidence and independence, easing their journey toward more independent learning and providing a stepping stone to the other Outdoor STEM groups. You can either leave them to learn independently while you relax, or stay with them throughout. You can start with them and leave when they're settled; you can swap and change within a session or between sessions to adapt your child's changing needs and support them flexibly as their confidence grows.
You will need to complete a quick registration form upon booking, to give you the option to leave your child. This will ensure we have all the necessary information to take the best possible care of your child. We ask that you stay on site during the session so that you can be contacted should your child need you, and ask you to note that Sparking STEM cannot help your children with toileting requirements due to safeguarding practices.
The ages are intended as a guide only. If your child is outside the suggested age range please contact us to work out what would suit them best. Please note that children under four must have an accompanying guardian throughout the session.
Children explore and experience the concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, while learning key scientific words and concepts through exciting challenges, games and activities, in groups of no more than eight. Most importantly, they have lots of fun!
Parents and carers of children of ages 4-8, can choose and vary the level to which they accompany their child in order to develop their child's confidence and independence, easing their journey toward more independent learning and providing a stepping stone to the other Outdoor STEM groups. You can either leave them to learn independently while you relax, or stay with them throughout. You can start with them and leave when they're settled; you can swap and change within a session or between sessions to adapt your child's changing needs and support them flexibly as their confidence grows.
You will need to complete a quick registration form upon booking, to give you the option to leave your child. This will ensure we have all the necessary information to take the best possible care of your child. We ask that you stay on site during the session so that you can be contacted should your child need you, and ask you to note that Sparking STEM cannot help your children with toileting requirements due to safeguarding practices.
The ages are intended as a guide only. If your child is outside the suggested age range please contact us to work out what would suit them best. Please note that children under four must have an accompanying guardian throughout the session.
Outdoor STEM for 6-10s
Two-hour sessions in groups of no more than eight children, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Children explore STEM concepts and learn scientific terminology while engaging in exciting challenges, games and activities. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stage 2 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 6-10 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
Two-hour sessions in groups of no more than eight children, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Children explore STEM concepts and learn scientific terminology while engaging in exciting challenges, games and activities. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stage 2 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 6-10 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
"I like doing activities with Amanda ...She picks fun things for us to do and is kind"
Outdoor STEM student, aged 5.
Outdoor STEM for 8-12s
Two-hour sessions, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Students develop their understanding of experimental design and interpretation of scientific data as they explore STEM concepts and expand their scientific vocabulary and understanding. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stages 2 and 3 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 8-12 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into or where you feel they would be most confident. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
Two-hour sessions, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Students develop their understanding of experimental design and interpretation of scientific data as they explore STEM concepts and expand their scientific vocabulary and understanding. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stages 2 and 3 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 8-12 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into or where you feel they would be most confident. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
"...Sparking STEM has a load of fun activities.... we learn loads. It is my favourite day of the week.”
Outdoor STEM student, aged 9
Outdoor STEM for 11-16s
Two-hour sessions, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Higher level learning designed to encourage students to extend their scientific understanding towards GCSE, sometimes including components at GCSE level. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stages 3 and 4 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. Students develop and apply their understanding of good experimental design and interpretation of data, through exciting team challenges and explorations of the outdoor environment. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 11-16 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into or where you feel they would be most confident. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
Two-hour sessions, unaccompanied by parents / carers. Higher level learning designed to encourage students to extend their scientific understanding towards GCSE, sometimes including components at GCSE level. Activities are linked to the key learning objectives and key words in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Key stages 3 and 4 Science and Maths, though everything is adapted to suit the learning needs of each individual child so that they can be supported and extended as necessary. Students develop and apply their understanding of good experimental design and interpretation of data, through exciting team challenges and explorations of the outdoor environment. There is a strong and positive focus on teamwork, independent learning, problem-solving and care for each other and the environment.
The 11-16 age is intended as a guide only, as every child is different and may be at very different stages of their education regardless of age. We suggest you start in the group your child's age falls into or where you feel they would be most confident. As we get to know your child we'll see which group they would get the most out of and can discuss with you which group would suit them best.
"I love the enthusiasm of our teacher and the students which makes everything we do interesting and fun"
Outdoor STEM student, aged 12.
'Thanks so much for everything you've done to fire [..] up about science, you've been amazing. Through the years of exciting hands-on experience, and your enthusiasm, she has gained a deeper understanding of scientific method and how it all relates to the world around her and the challenges we face globally... I feel so grateful that she's been able to experience your fantastic classes and teaching'.
Parent of a long-term student attending Outdoor STEM
and Practical IGCSE Science sessions
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Care for the environment
All our activities work in harmony with the environment, emphasising a “leave no more than your footprints” principle to the children and teaching them about environmental issues at every opportunity. We re-use and repurpose resources and avoid single use plastics wherever possible. We hygienically remove litter from the environment as we go. |
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What about the weather?
We make every effort to ensure that sessions go ahead whatever the weather so that children can take advantage of all the wonderful STEM learning opportunities the weather provides. To ensure you are well prepared, please read the advice on our Preparing for Outdoor STEM page. |
"The kids have had a brilliant time again today. Thank you so much for providing these fantastic learning opportunities"
Parent of an Outdoor STEM student
Places book up very quickly so being notified by email gives you the best chance of securing a place for your child.
Please complete the form below if you would like to be notified when booking opens or places become available.
Please complete the form below if you would like to be notified when booking opens or places become available.
Amanda's stem sessions are brilliant. She's really nice and kind. They are really fun and Amanda explains things really well so I understand them"
Outdoor STEM student, aged 11
