Steam education will be implemented at primary schools across the island, education minister Diallo Rabain said.

Mr Rabain said children would benefit academically and behaviourally through the Steam method, which focuses on a collaborative approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

He said the Department of Education had identified the “Engineering Is Elementary” curriculum, which is aligned with the Cambridge International Science Curriculum, as the best fit for primary school students.

Mr Rabain told the House of Assembly: “The Engineering Is Elementary curriculum was selected because the curriculum is universally designed to meet the needs of all learners. Students move step-by-step through a goal-directed problem-solving process.”

The programme has already been piloted in West Pembroke, Paget, Northlands and Prospect Primary Schools. An additional two primary schools will be included this September.

Other primary schools will be added with the aim that all will be included by 2020-21. The annual cost of implementing each phase is about $125,000.

Mr Rabain added that a Stem 101 programme is already under way in middle and senior schools.

In a separate ministerial statement, Mr Rabain also spoke about fintech opportunities for young people.

He said: “Discussions have already begun with various companies who have signed MOUs, to establish their training needs and representatives from one of the organisations will be on island next week for further talks.

Other companies will also be visiting the island to discuss their training needs over the next few weeks.

“The idea is to provide training opportunities that will cover a wide cross-section of our community from high school students to professionals looking for potential career changes.”

• To read Diallo Rabain’s statements in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”