Building Future Changemakers: STEAMfest 2026 Sparked Creativity and Collaboration

On Tuesday 19th May, Leighton Park School welcomed more than 250 Year 5 pupils from a range of local schools for our annual STEAMfest event.

Schools attending included Caversham Primary, St Nicholas CE Primary Hurst, St Piran’s, The Oratory Prep School (OPS), Ridgeway Primary and Southcote Primary.

Although the forecast had threatened poor weather, the rain held off and spirits remained high as pupils took part in a series of exciting hands-on challenges across the school grounds.

STEAMfest celebrates the connection between Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics through practical activities designed to encourage creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. Working in groups, pupils tackled a number of real-world inspired humanitarian challenges centred around water, including building weather-resistant shelters, creating rafts capable of transporting aid supplies, and designing systems to move water efficiently.

The activities encouraged pupils to think creatively while developing communication and collaboration skills. Leighton Park students supported each session, helping guide the younger participants through the challenges and offering encouragement throughout the day.

One Year 5 student said “I loved the activity when we tried to transport water because sometime it spilled and some of it went in the bucket, so it was really fun!” Her classmate added, “I really liked the one where we had to build a shelter. We all got sprayed by water and we had to hide in the shelter”.

Teachers accompanying the visiting schools praised the event and the opportunities it gave pupils to learn outside the classroom.

Lucy Clark, Year 5 Teacher at Caversham Primary said: “Thank you for a fantastic day. Our Year 5 all had a great time, worked together brilliantly and were supported so well by the Leighton Park students and staff. It was a very well-run event and everyone we encountered was extremely lovely and welcoming.”

Sarah Hilling, Head of School at St Nicholas CE Primary, added: “Our Year 5 children had such a fantastic day and gained so much from the experience. It was wonderful to see the children collaborating, problem solving and really immersing themselves in the humanitarian challenge.”

The event also highlighted the importance of experiential learning, giving pupils the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical and imaginative ways while learning more about global challenges and the value of teamwork.

Roz Edwards, who coordinates Leighton Park’s Be Inspired Programme, offering curriculum enrichment events and activities to students in Key Stage 2, praised the enthusiasm shown by everyone involved: “STEAMfest has become one of the highlights of the year and very popular with local schools. The energy from the students throughout the day was incredible, and it was wonderful to watch them fully immerse themselves in the challenges, working together so creatively, enthusiastically and confidently. I loved seeing so many smiling faces enjoying hands-on learning in such a positive and collaborative atmosphere.”

Rachel Milhofer, Head of Chemistry and STEAM coordinator at LP, concludes: “It was wonderful to share the excitement of STEAM learning with primary school children. Our own students thoroughly enjoyed supporting the activities and helping younger pupils explore how Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and the Arts can work together to solve real-world problems. The enthusiasm and teamwork on display throughout the day were fantastic to see. The inclement weather at various points during the day did emphasise the value of good shelter!”

At the end of the day, pupils left with new skills and plenty of happy memories — including enjoying one of Leighton Park’s much-loved brownies courtesy of the Oakview and Thomas Franks team.

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