A STEAM curriculum is more than teaching individual science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) as discrete subjects. STEAM Academy uses an integrated and applied method of teaching STEAM subjects to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for today’s world. Project-based learning integrates and applies the STEAM subjects to meaningful and complex questions, problems, or challenges, that guide students’ inquiries to ask thoughtful questions, research to discover answers, and apply what they have learned to problem solve. With this approach, students can understand and recognize the relevance of their work in solving real-world problems while developing important skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and self-management.
SNP-STEAM Academy is pioneering a new model of education that integrates the Ontario Secondary School curriculum and Ontario College curriculum focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Students have the opportunity to earn both an Ontario Secondary School Diploma AND a two-year College Diploma (at no cost). Personal academic plans provide the flexibility for advanced learners to complete high school and college in less than six years.
The program is open to incoming grade 9 and 10 students of all backgrounds who are interested in learning about and applying science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). SNP-STEAM Academy students must be willing to commit to a rigorous course of study in STEAM, career development, and essential 21st-century skills, such as leadership, problem-solving and critical thinking. Students must participate in a school orientation program in August.
Upon graduation from SNP-STEAM Academy, students can choose to continue their studies at college or university or enter the workforce with industry connections to STEAM Academy partners such as IBM.