In the last week of November 2019, BEPS International School and the association Professional Women International (PWI) launched a new partnership to promote and examine how science, technology, engineering, arts (including design), and mathematics — STEAM — are taught to future generations.

The goal is to create a strong link between industry experts and educators.

A team of professionals visited the BEPS Secondary School to share their expertise. The first workshop was led by two members of the PWI Brussels Advisory Board: Geert Maesmans, Global R&D Director at Cargill, and Cristina Vicini, Owner of Vicini Strategy.
The session focused on the theme of sustainable bioeconomy around the world. The experts guided students through the design process used by Cargill’s R&D teams. Students used these tools and provided resources to explore the topic of meat alternatives.

Since our students are already familiar with this way of working, they were able to quickly form hypotheses, design tests, and start gathering evidence using real industry tools.

“What’s interesting about this project is that it starts within the BEPS MYP curriculum, it’s run in partnership with PWI, and it creates a connection between academic subjects and the world of business and industry. By the end of the first workshop, we already had ideas on how to refocus parts of our curriculum in ways we hadn’t imagined before. It’s truly a unique way to develop a learning programme.” – Andrew Mitchell, MYP Coordinator

“Our hope is that the diversity and inclusion we see in BEPS International School classrooms continues into our future workplaces. The leaders and experts at PWI Brussels are committed to encouraging the next generation to embrace this system not only in education but also as a way to stay curious about the world we live in.” – Michelle Vilar, Vice President of the Leadership Programme at PWI Brussels

BEPS Secondary School and PWI Brussels will continue their partnership with further learning sessions in spring and beyond.

About BEPS International School:
Founded in 1972, BEPS International School is located in beautiful buildings in one of Brussels’ most sought-after neighborhoods, near the Bois de la Cambre and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB).
BEPS offers an inquiry-based approach to learning, following the International Early Years Curriculum in preschool, the International Primary Curriculum in primary, and the implementation of the International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) in secondary. Student learning experiences are designed to help them develop 21st-century skills, becoming lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.

About PWI:
Professional Women International (PWI) is a Brussels-based membership association and part of the global PWN network. PWI helps professional women grow and succeed, with the goal of accelerating gender-balanced leadership.
Its members include leaders from various sectors, experiences, and cultures — many of whom have built their education and careers in science, technology, engineering, arts (including design), or mathematics.
Learn more at www.pwi.be