This week saw our third and final STEAM Challenge inspired by our collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). We had a number of visitors, in person and via Skype, sharing their medical expertise with our students and shaping their thinking about how technology has, and will continue to, improve people’s health. This visits certainly left our students inspired and the conversations at break have centred on the amazing new facts they’ve learned as well as inventive solutions to medical issues.
Year 6 students received a talk from Dr Arshad Ali, a brain surgeon, who informed them about many things including the popular fact that naps are good for you! This was linked with the main theme for the day, which was how important sleep was for us and why we should prioritise it in our lives.
Year 5 had a number of visitors this week. Firstly, Mrs Pena, and her colleague Omar, talked through their roles at Sidra Medicine where they work in the Sterile Processing Department. The students learned a lot about the importance of this process and also had the opportunity to test out the protective clothing worn in the department.
Mr McArtney’s mother, who is cardiac physiotherapist based in Scotland, Skyped the class to talk about her role and shared some important facts with the class. Dr Poberaj also visited the class to talk about his work as an orthopaedic surgeon.
Nurse Lyn visited our Year 3 and 4 classes to talk about both modern day and historic medical treatment. The students were very grateful that they did not live in medieval times, where drilling a hole in your head was one ‘cure’ for persistent headaches! The students also learned about the purpose of the CPR machine and how it would be used in an emergency.
Dr Warren, our KS3 phase leader and qualified veterinarian, visited the classes in Year 1 and 2 this week to share with children what vets do, how to care for animals and what forms of technology they use. He also brought along some furry patients and the students were more than happy to assist and ask questions.
This week really showcased the many strengths of our school, particularly our collaborations both globally and locally, that provide our students with unique learning experiences. It also highlighted our wonderfully supportive community, with parents and staff from other sections of the school happily shared their expertise and enthusiasm for the health and wellbeing of all.
Many thanks to Mr McArtney for leading the STEAM challenge, providing resources and organising logistics and to our parents, staff and local partners for their support throughout the week.
Have a great week and Eid Mubarak to you and your families.
Head of Primary, Madinat Khalifa Campus