Bruges Digital Playdate English Students Reflection 002As digital leaders, we are involved in this year’s project STEM to STEAM, adding the Arts to the integrated and applied study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). As part of this year’s project, we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Bruges, planning for this year’s project.

On the 9th October, we arrived in Bruges and were welcomed into Howest university where we met up with the Denmark, Norway, and Belgium delegations to look at the overview and expectations of this year’s project.

Bruges Digital Playdate English Students Reflection 003The following day we listened to a range of inspirational speeches related to STEAM to help give us ideas for our international and national collaboration days. Afterwards, we visited the local primary and middle school where we learnt about the Belgium education system. That evening we had a lovely food pairing evening organised by the Belgium delegation.

Bruges Digital Playdate English Students Reflection 004The next day we started to look more closely at our vision of STEM to STEAM, followed by some more fascinating talks helping us spark some new ideas for the project. In the afternoon, we went on a bicycle tour, visiting lots of incredible places including visiting the Blanche art house. We then went on a boat trip around the lovely canals of Bruges. In the evening, we visited the local brewery. It was great to see the process of making beer.

The following day we finished sorting our plans for this year’s international collaboration days and came up with some wonderful lessons that we can’t wait to help teach. On our last day, we climbed the Belfry of Bruges tower and went on a horse and carriage ride to end our amazing trip to Bruges.

We had a lovely time and would like to thank the lecturers, teachers, and students from Belgium for welcoming us into their country. We are looking forward to being involved in this year’s project.

Written by Charlotte Bennett, Phoebe Dickenson, and Sara Northover

Bruges Digital Playdate English Students Reflection 005

View a video of our visit here: