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Posted: 27th August 2019Parents are heaping praise on a unique school which has seen their children earn qualifications in STEM subjects.
BMAT STEM Academy this week saw its first ever cohort of Year 10 students each collect two GCSE qualifications.
The school, along with others within BMAT, puts students forward for courses early to take the pressure off in Year 11.
Opening just one year ago, the school has a business focus and prepares young people for careers within the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Mum Kirsty Burling credits the school with giving son Josh the confidence to strive for ambitious goals.
He collected grade 6 in French and computer science.
Mrs Burling said: “Ever since he was younger, Josh has been into science and maths, so BMAT STEM really appealed to him straight away. When we went to the open day, I was blown away by it and Josh absolutely loved it. It seemed just right for him and targeted everything he was interested in.
“Being at BMAT STEM with small class sizes, Josh is getting his chance to be noticed. He’s never been a top achiever or a naughty child, but now he is noticed for his ability which is what I like about it.
“He has been coming on in leaps and bounds this year. BMAT STEM has been amazing for reaching into Josh and finding his potential. He is excited for his future and what that might entail.”
Josh said: “I’m feeling brilliant. I can’t wait to get back to STEM and do my other GCSEs now.”
Alan Delciampo was so determined to attend BMAT STEM, he didn’t let an hour-long commute from his home in Welwyn Garden City stand in his way.
He picked up grade 7 in engineering and computer science.
Dad Frank said: “It was a big decision for Alan to move to BMAT STEM. He is into technology and likes robotics, computers and science, so it gave him a lot to think about. I told him if he wanted it enough, it would be worth the effort.
“He is committed to it and he’s doing it. His results are great; he feels good about it and is learning a lot. He’s looking forward to getting into the best university he can and to going into programming or computer engineering.
“BMAT STEM has been the right choice for him.”
Tara Osman-Lakhani was appointed Head STEM Creator – the school’s equivalent to head girl – during the first year. She collected grade 7 in French and grade 6 in engineering, despite “doing appallingly badly in her SATs at private school”.
Mum Dr Rabia Osman said: “We found that buying a private education doesn’t work, so we moved Tara to Burnt Mill Academy where she discovered she could actually progress quite nicely and moved her way to the top sets.
“When BMAT STEM was pitched to her, she was blown away and was so inspired; she insisted I go and take a look. I really thought it was going to be experimental and that I was taking a huge risk. But, I was really reassured that actually what they were aiming for was something really supreme.
“It was a gamble, but oh boy has it paid off. I am absolutely delighted. These results have just confirmed it.
“BMAT STEM has done so well in such a short amount of time. It is amazing. I hope they continue to pitch at that level for the future. If this is the beginning, imagine how great it will be in five years’ time.”
