From Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 September, we hosted an extraordinary hands-on learning experience for hundreds of Years 6 and 7 students. The event featured the renowned WOOFYT (Wooden One-octave Organ For Young Technologists) workshops, led by facilitator Jeremy Sampson. This unique fusion of music, science, and technology captivated not only our students, but also participants from our sponsored school, Messing Primary, and Diocesan CISC school, Ursuline Prep Ilford.

Bringing Science and Music to Life

The WOOFYT workshops provided an exciting opportunity for students to explore the fascinating connections between music, physics, and engineering. Students learned about the physics of sound and waves, concepts aligned with their curriculum. Through hands-on activities, from manipulating valves and pumps to creating sound, students gained a deeper understanding of how everyday science can influence art and music.

The workshops foster collaboration, with participants working together to operate the wooden one-octave organ. Students showed remarkable enthusiasm, excitement, and dedication throughout the three-day event. Many found the experience deeply rewarding, leaving with not only new scientific and musical knowledge but also a sense of achievement from their teamwork efforts.

A Step Forward for STEAM Education

The WOOFYT workshops are a perfect example of STEAM learning, where Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics intersect. By linking these subjects in a creative and interactive environment, students were able to see how different disciplines can combine to solve real-world challenges. The workshop’s hands-on approach helped make abstract concepts more tangible and engaging for young learners.

The workshops form part of our ongoing efforts to provide enriching and cross-disciplinary experiences for students. We are committed to continuing our collaboration with feeder schools and offering similar events in the future. The success of the WOOFYT workshops has reinforced our belief in the power of STEAM education to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning among our students.