passion for

We are passionate about STEAM – Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Mathematics

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. STEAM enrichment opportunities for students at Davison enable young women to gain the real-world skills required to become confident and capable innovators, educators, leaders, and learners!

Seas, Shorts and Shores – Science and Art Project

Last year the Art and Science departments were offered the opportunity to take part in a STEAM Art Photography project. The project used creative learning to explore issues around marine conservation and plastics pollution. In partnership with STEM Sussex, the Marine Conservation Society and a team of experienced photography facilitators and scientists.

Staff from the Science and Art department attended twilight training sessions with teachers from five other west Sussex schools led by the photographer Annis Joslin where we were able to share resources and ideas of delivering the project before they were presented to classes at school.

We were fortunate to have the expertise of the photographer Elizabeth Doak who introduced the pupils to techniques of studio photography as well as learning about cyanotypes.

The Snail Trail – Art and Design Project

Designing and creating a snail for the Brighton snail space art trail and raising money for Martlets.

Our design encapsulates our identity. Symbolizing all things British, our place on the south coast and our sense of community at Davison. Snails are such small, humble creatures, like the size of our country. But what we don’t have in size we make up in confidence, family values and traditions.  We are a strong powerful country who have achieved so much. Our snail is a celebration of our heritage. Proud to be British, proud of our British values that we have built up, proud of what we contribute to the world and inspire the next generation to look forward.

Monty the Davison junior snail was on display in the Brighton Metropole Hotel with 4 other snails as part of the  Martlets Brighton snail trail  The snail trail consisted of 100 snail sculptures painted up by artists from around Sussex. He now lives here in our Art garden!

Four students awarded third place at the finals of the Design Ventura Competition, run by the Design Museum in London!

It was an incredible achievement, with over 15,000 students taking part. More details of Ruby Wood, Bea Buchanan, Emma Statton and Lamara Philp’s amazing design of a ‘Positivitree’, a giftable plant in pyramid packaging that is aimed at boosting mental wellbeing, can be found here.

Thanks to our wonderful Design Technology Team for supporting the students. The edited version of the live streamed award ceremony winner announcements from the Design Ventura 2020 Celebration event on the 11th July 2021 at the Design Museum can be viewed here.

image © the Design Museum and Richard Heald

STEAM Robotics – An Engineering Project

Mini Robot Wars, from the Centre for Science Education, is a set of teaching materials which offer a cross-curricular approach to learning about engineering. Students build a small Robot Wars type robot controlled by Radio Control, with forward, reverse, left and right switches. The starting point is the TEP Lunar Rover case study. Students are then able to develop the design further to prepare their robot for a competition.

From the engineering club building and racing their very own Endurance Greenpower Formula 24 race car, to winning the Youth Grand Challenge run by the British Science Association and sponsored by the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation, Davison students show  a drive to excel in STEAM related activities.

Students have participated in educational visits to Ricardo, the MACH Industry Showcase, the Big Bang at the Birmingham NEC, Big Bang South East, The Design Museum London, Sussex University, Goodwood Motor Circuit, Dunsfold Aerodrome and the AMEX Stadium to see where STEM careers can take them.

Business links are valued throughout the school, local companies showcase at KS4 employability market place events, held for students in year 10. Davison Young Enterprise, have been the Sussex Champions three years running.