Schoolchildren return to Thorpe Park for educational event

The event, which is already sold-out, will see 10,000 primary and secondary school students join over 50 of ACS International Schools’ partners, including Barclays and Microsoft, for a unique and exhilarating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) experience.

On the day, organisations such as Surrey Police, Royal Air Force, Barclays, Microsoft, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will host workshops and activities designed to inspire interest and catapult career prospects towards a career in STEAM.

Many students attending will have never been to a theme park before and, building on the power of gamification in education, they will need to show evidence that they have participated in educational activities with the various STEAM organisations attending on the day before they can enjoy Thorpe Park’s rollercoasters and attractions. This will be achieved by students gaining stamps after completing the activities that can be redeemed for free rides on the rollercoasters.

At the first-of-its-kind STEAM 2022 event, students had exclusive use of the park and a jam-packed line up of expert speakers and high profile, dynamic organisations which provided activities from giant robots and live science demonstrations to orchestral performances and supersonic cars.

After the 2022 event, Lesley Lawrence, Headteacher at West Byfleet Junior School, said “We are still coming down to earth – most literally from an absolutely marvellous day at Thorpe Park!  It was beyond our expectations and to see such joy on the faces of our children was simply brilliant.”

Speaking about the upcoming STEAM 2024 event, Graeme Lawrie MBE, Partnerships Director at ACS International Schools, said: “ACS International Schools is delighted to be able to return to Thorpe Park along with our partners for the hugely exciting STEAM 2024. At ACS International Schools, we aim to increase collaboration, share expertise and good practice, widen educational opportunities and raise standards across our partnerships network in key subjects such as STEAM. The aim of the event is to inspire the next generation and encourage them to consider careers in this industry, and with a current career shortage, it is more essential than ever that we bridge the skills gap now to ensure young people have access to these opportunities. A big thank you goes out to all of our partners and staff at ACS International Schools for making it happen.”