How STEAM Builds Future Champions in Competitions Beyond the Classroom

Inspiring Curious Minds at Nord Anglia International School Manila

Education is more than just books and exams—it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and preparing children for the future. At Nord Anglia International School Manila, we believe in helping every child discover their passions and talents in a way that feels exciting and meaningful. One way we do this is through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), an approach that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

STEAM learning isn’t just about memorising facts; it’s about exploring, experimenting, and making connections between different subjects. It helps children develop the skills they need to navigate the real world—whether that’s working on a science project, designing an art piece, or solving complex maths problems. By integrating STEAM into our curriculum, we give students opportunities to apply their learning in hands-on, engaging ways, helping them grow into confident, independent thinkers.

Henri’s Journey: How STEAM Fuels Success in Competitions

For some students, STEAM isn’t just a subject—it’s a passion that drives them to explore even further. One great example is Henri, a Year 6 student whose love for learning has taken him to national and international academic competitions. From Maths and Science to English and Art, Henri has embraced challenges that push him to think beyond the classroom. Competitions have been more than just a test of knowledge; they have helped him develop discipline, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

His achievements include:

• Fermat National Round (FMO – Fermat Mathematical Olympiad): Bronze
• Fermat Final Round (FMO – Fermat Mathematical Olympiad): Merit
• PIMSO Science National Round (Philippine International Math and Science Olympiad): Silver
• PIMSO Science Final Round (Philippine International Math and Science Olympiad): Silver
• HKISO Heat Round (Hong Kong International Science Olympiad): Silver
• HKISO Final Round (Hong Kong International Science Olympiad): Silver
• DOST YES Award (Department of Science and Technology – Youth Excellence in Science Award, Philippine Government)
• FISO English National Round (Future Intelligence Students Olympiad): Bronze
• FISO English International Round (Future Intelligence Students Olympiad): Bronze
• FISO Art National Round (Future Intelligence Students Olympiad): Bronze
• FISO Art International Round (Future Intelligence Students Olympiad): Merit
• HIPPO Preliminary Round (HIPPO S1 – Special Category for International School Students, HIPPO “English Without Borders” Olympiad HIPPO International English Language Olympiad): Silver
• SIMSO Science National Round (Siam International Math and Science Olympiad): Silver
• ADEPT English National Round (ADEPT – Achievement in Diverse Educational Progress and Talent Competition Olympiad): Silver
• ADEPT English Global Round (ADEPT – Achievement in Diverse Educational Progress and Talent Competition Olympiad): Silver
• ADEPT Science National Round (ADEPT – Achievement in Diverse Educational Progress and Talent Competition Olympiad): Silver
• ADEPT Science Global Round (ADEPT – Achievement in Diverse Educational Progress and Talent Competition Olympiad): Rising Star Achiever Award Trophy (Top 4% scorers in each grade level)

These competitions challenge students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply their knowledge in new ways. Through these experiences, Henri has not only built his academic skills but also developed confidence, adaptability, and perseverance—qualities that will serve him well in the future.

The Importance of Having a Supportive Community

Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen alone. Henri’s journey has been shaped by the encouragement of his parents, teachers, and peers. His parents recognised his early love for numbers but also gave him the freedom to explore other interests. “You have to know what your child is really interested in,” his mother shares. “If they don’t enjoy it, no matter how much you push, they won’t excel.”

To nurture his curiosity, they provided science kits, art materials, and hands-on experiences like stargazing and museum visits. They encouraged him to ask questions, explore new topics, and enjoy learning in a way that felt natural and exciting.

Choosing the right school was another key decision. “Moving Henri here was one of the best decisions we made as a family,” his mother adds. “He’s happy, he’s learning, and he’s thriving in his own way.”

At NAIS Manila, students are surrounded by a community that values curiosity, creativity, and personal growth. Through our global collaborations with MIT and Juilliard, children like Henri are exposed to world-class learning experiences that challenge them to think differently and aim higher.

Shaping a Bright Future Fueled by Curiosity and Passion

While winning medals is exciting, Henri’s ambitions go far beyond trophies. His love for animals has inspired him to become a veterinarian, with dreams of developing treatments for animal diseases and creating accessible, healthy food for pets. “I want animals to be healthy and safe,” he says. “I also hope my dog, Samantha, lives long enough to meet my future family.”

To achieve this, he knows he needs to keep learning, keep questioning, and keep pushing himself to do better. More competitions lie ahead, this July, he travelled to Hong Kong once again to represent the Philippines and NAIS Manila at the ADEPT Global Round, a new international contest in which he received a Silver medal in English and the Rising Star Achiever Award trophy (Top 4% scorer in each grade level) for Science. Earlier, he earned Silver in both Science and English during the National Round held online last June 29. With new experiences and bigger stages ahead, Henri is showing what it means to pursue learning with passion and purpose. But regardless of how many medals he earns, his biggest success is the mindset he has developed, one that embraces challenges as opportunities to grow.

Henri’s teachers have witnessed this firsthand, seeing his passion and dedication in the classroom and beyond. As Mr. Harvey Ellerby, his Year 5/6 teacher, shares:

“Henri’s success this year is a brilliant example of what happens when curiosity meets commitment. Whether he’s tackling complex maths problems, performing confidently on stage, or diving deep into scientific research, he approaches every challenge with focus and independence. It has been a joy to see him grow into such a thoughtful, passionate learner, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young man.”

Henri’s journey is just beginning. With each challenge he takes on, he is building the skills, confidence, and passion to shape his own future. And for us, that’s something to be truly proud of.