STEEAM & High Potential Learners
At Pelham, we are committed to identifying and nurturing high potential learners across the full breadth of the curriculum. We believe that children thrive when they are challenged, inspired, and given opportunities to explore their strengths and passions. Our approach combines high-quality classroom practice with a rich range of enrichment experiences designed to stretch, motivate, and support pupils who show aptitude or interest in particular areas.
STEEAM
Our STEEAM programme (Science, Technology, Engineering, English, Art, Maths etc.) extends traditional STEM learning to celebrate a wider range of talents. Running mainly in the spring and summer terms, STEEAM clubs are planned, delivered, and led by our dedicated teachers who tailor sessions to specific year groups or key stages. These clubs offer pupils the chance to deepen their skills, collaborate with like-minded peers, and explore subjects beyond the standard curriculum.
Parents and pupils are invited to apply for STEEAM clubs based on their interests and strengths. In addition, teachers may nominate children who demonstrate potential within the curriculum, through daily classroom learning, observations, or ongoing assessments.
Supporting High Potential Learners
High potential learners are supported first and foremost through high-quality, responsive teaching in every classroom. Teachers use a wide range of strategies to ensure all pupils are appropriately challenged, including those who are working at greater depth. Our curriculum encourages independence, creativity, and higher-order thinking, giving pupils frequent opportunities to problem-solve, reflect, and extend their learning.
Beyond lessons, pupils can develop their strengths through a diverse menu of extracurricular clubs. These include fitness, sewing, choir, chess, drama, football, karate, Techno Kids, art, French, Lego, gymnastics, netball, gardening, drumming, badminton, multi-skills, cheerleading, and many more. These enrichment clubs provide an additional avenue for children to discover new interests and excel in areas they enjoy. For more information on extra-curricular clubs, click here.
Additional opportunities
As part of our STEEAM offer, pupils can take part in the Pelham Post, our school newspaper, which supports nonfiction and journalistic writing.
We also encourage participation in a range of local, national, and school-wide competitions designed to stretch, inspire, and challenge high potential learners. These include but are not limited to:
These opportunities help pupils apply their skills in new contexts and celebrate their achievements beyond the classroom.
Philosophy for Children (P4C)
Our Philosophy for Children sessions promote critical thinking, reasoning, communication, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. These skills support all learners and are particularly valuable for those with high potential, providing space for deep thinking and articulate discussion. Please click here for more information on P4C.
Partnership with specialist enrichment
We are proud to work in partnership with a number of organisations, including King’s College School, Wimbledon. Through this relationship, pupils can access specialist workshops in robotics and programming, art, climate change, and other areas tailored to stretch and enrich high potential learners.
