As we prepare for the next academic term, we’ve been reflecting on an incredible past few months that we’ve coined Camden’s ‘Summer of STEAM’. Over the summer, Camden’s young people have been discovering where science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) can take them, through a vibrant programme of events bringing together schools, employers, educators and industry leaders.
From celebrating students completing industry-led qualifications, to giving primary pupils their first glimpse of future careers, providing real-world work experience and recognising the next generation of AI innovators, Camden’s Summer of STEAM has created opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence and connections that will shape their futures.
Celebrating Camden’s rising T Level talent
Summer of STEAM began in June with the inaugural Camden T Level Celebration Event, recognising the achievements of students, schools and employers working together to create new pathways into industry.
The event celebrated the growing success of T Levels in Camden, with awards presented to students and employers who have made outstanding contributions to the course.
The evening recognised:
- Highly Commended Employer of the Year: Curve Media Limited
- Employer of the Year: The Francis Crick Institute
- Highly Commended Student of the Year: Khaled Albitar (Haverstock School)
- Camden T Level Student of the Year: Julia Oduro (Acland Burghley School)
T Levels continue to grow rapidly across Camden, supported by strong partnerships between schools and employers. These two-year techical qualifications offer an alternative to A Levels, combining classroom learning with real industry experience.
Since their introduction, the number of places offered has increased by 200%, growing from 22 students in the first year to 66 students in the second year, with provision expanding from three schools to five. In the third year, participation is expected to grow to more than 115 students, highlighting both the increasing demand for technical education and the need for employers to provide meaningful industry placements.
We are so proud that Camden’s 2026 T Level students achieved a 100% T Level pass rate, with 92% of students securing a Merit or Distinction, significantly outperforming the national average of 93% pass and 66% Merit or above.
Inspiring the next generation at Camden Primary Careers Day
The Summer of STEAM continued with Camden Primary Careers Day 2026, bringing together more than 300 Year 4 pupils from Camden primary schools at the British Library.
The idea was simple: give children as young as eight the opportunity to meet people working in exciting STEAM careers, ask questions and try things for themselves. The aim was to help pupils see science, technology, engineering, arts and maths not simply as school subjects, but as areas where they could build their futures.
Throughout the day, pupils met neuroscientists, architects, engineers, filmmakers and computer scientists. They programmed robots, explored architectural maps and models, designed research publications and took part in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination. One teacher said: “It’s amazing to have so many different stands and the chance for children to use the resources – the practical element really hooks them in.”
The energy and enthusiasm from pupils demonstrated the impact of giving young people the chance to engage directly with people working in local industries.
The event was made possible thanks to the 21 STEAM employers who generously shared their time, knowledge and expertise, alongside the schools, volunteers and staff who helped make the day such a success.
This is the second year we’ve hosted Primary Careers Day, and we’re pleased to confirm it now will become an annual event.
Transformative work experience placements with leading STEAM companies
In mid-July we hosted the Camden STEAM Work Experience Week 2026, providing over 350 Year 12 students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience and explore the wide range of careers available across Camden’s STEAM sectors.
Throughout the week, students took part in employer-led activities covering areas including animal conservation, digital app development, architecture, life sciences, creative industries and culminating in pitching ideas and delivering presentations.
The programme enabled students to develop practical skills, experience workplace environments and tackle real-world challenges alongside industry experts.
When asked to describe their placement in three words, one student said “Informative, enlightening, community pride.”
The success of the week was made possible through the generosity and commitment of 27 employer partners, who opened their workplaces, shared their knowledge and created meaningful opportunities for young people.
Showcasing student’s creativity
The Camden Schools Art Biennale exhibited hundreds of artworks by pupils from every Camden school across every key stage of learning. Led in partnership by Camden Learning, Camden Council and Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London (UAL), the exhibition was displayed at the Lethaby Gallery at CSM and across the King’s Cross estate, celebrating the imagination, talent and individuality of Camden’s young artists. It was a proud moment for pupils seeing their work was recognised in a professional public exhibition.
The Biennale demonstrated the essential role of the arts within STEAM and the importance of giving every young person opportunities to express ideas, explore their identity and experience the joy of creating.
In addition to the students’ exhibitions, the biennale programme offered CPD workshops to art teachers. Creative undergraduates from Central Saint Martin’s University ran workshops for three schools, exploring artistic practice in lessons. One teacher said, “the [workshop] has strengthened our confidence in offering a broader, more innovative arts programme and will help us design future lessons that are richer, more experimental, and more aligned with contemporary art practices.”
Celebrating Camden’s AI pioneers
The final event of Summer of STEAM was the inaugural AI Connect graduation ceremony, held at Camden Town Hall and celebrating the achievements of 27 outstanding students.
The students, who started the programme at the beginning of Year 12, became the first graduates of AI Connect, the London AI Campus’ two-year enrichment programme. The London AI Campus – delivered in partnership between Camden Learning, Camden Council and Google, removes barriers to underrepresented groups to increase AI literacy across the student body.
During the programme, students attended weekly lessons exploring the fundamentals of AI, robotics and the role AI can play in areas including sustainability, education and healthcare.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements, commitment and dedication of students, while also recognising the invaluable support from mentors, schools and industry partners.
Guest speaker Melanie Eusebe, Director, AI in Society at Google DeepMind, shared her story of her journey from childhood through to her leadership role in AI, reminding students of the importance of the human impact behind technological innovation.
Student speakers Louise Siffredi and Amyrah Kihl reflected on their experiences, reinforcing what we had learned from our independent evaluation. Students not only developed practical and professional skills but also grew in confidence and developed a strong sense of belonging. They described the London AI Campus as a safe and supportive space where staff and mentors genuinely cared about them and where they found community among their peers.
AI Connect Graduate, Amyrah, spoke at the graduation event, saying: “The AI Connect course has been a huge part in my growing self-confidence. The opportunities presented to me… have meant I am more sure of myself now, as I can better articulate my thoughts… I have been inspired by what we have learned and things we have done, such as the No Black Boxes robotics course, which encouraged me to apply for Robotics at Sheffield University next year. Additionally, AI Connect has helped me meet so many like-minded individuals from a range of backgrounds. I’ve learned lots from each of them, too.”
Amyrah has since been accepted into Sheffield University to study robotics.
Building Camden’s future together
Across every Summer of STEAM event, one message has been clear: collaboration creates opportunity.
By bringing together schools, employers, educators, communities and young people, Camden is helping ensure that every student has access to the skills, experiences and inspiration they need to thrive in the careers of tomorrow.
Whether exploring AI, discovering future professions, gaining workplace experience or celebrating academic achievements, Camden’s young people are proving that the future of STEAM is already taking shape.
If you’d like to know more or get involved please contact steampledge@camdenlearning.org.uk.
