Our Science Department at Lumio
At Lumio Private School, our Science Department offers a dynamic and forward-thinking curriculum that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of science in the real world. Our programme includes both Integrated Sciences and Computer Science, ensuring that students gain a broad and connected understanding of scientific principles while developing the technical skills needed in today’s digital landscape.
Through Integrated Sciences, students explore key concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science in a unified framework, encouraging them to make meaningful connections across disciplines. Alongside this, our Computer Science strand introduces learners to computational thinking, programming, and digital systems—equipping them with the problem-solving mindset and technological fluency essential for the future. Together, these pathways foster curiosity, critical inquiry, and innovation in preparation for the MYP and beyond.
Our Science Curriculum
Our Science Curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity and lay strong foundations for future learning. Through our After School Programme (ASP), students are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding through hands-on, enriching experiences.
Starting Strong: Laying the Foundation in Early Years
In Grades 1 and 2, science is experienced through observation, questioning, and exploration, laying the groundwork for future scientific thinking. Concepts such as push and pull, healthy habits, and seasonal changes are taught through hands-on learning that connects directly to everyday life.
Building on Understanding: Middle Primary Years (Grades 3–6)
As students progress through Grades 3 to 6, our Science Curriculum expands to include ecosystems, electricity, the properties of materials, and sustainability, promoting environmental awareness and practical inquiry.
Through engaging projects and investigative tasks, students are encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, and draw evidence-based conclusions — essential behaviours for budding scientists and engineers.
Extending Knowledge: The Bridge to Secondary (Grades 7–9)
By Grade 7, our learners begin to explore cells and systems, chemical reactions, forces, and energy transfer, using the scientific method to conduct structured investigations.
In Grades 8 and 9, the curriculum takes on greater depth and academic rigour. Students engage with topics such as atomic theory, genetics, electromagnetism, and stoichiometry — all taught through a blend of theory, experimentation, and inquiry-based learning. By the end of Grade 9, students are well-prepared with a solid grounding in scientific reasoning and fluency.
Looking Forward
Whether measuring rainfall in Grade 3, designing a wellness app in Grade 7, or analysing circuit diagrams in Grade 9, our learners are discovering how science, and technology can change the world.
In our next issue we will highlight our Computer Science and Maths Departments.
Exploring Science Beyond the Classroom
Our Lumio students have been actively engaging in science learning outside the classroom, participating in two exciting events that highlight creativity, collaboration, and real-world application.
Grade 7: 12th Annual Science Conference
Grade 7 science students proudly represented Lumio at the 12th Annual Science Conference for Teachers and Students. They presented Scienopoly — a board game they designed based on the periodic table, aimed at making chemistry more interactive and accessible. Their project showcased a creative and hands-on approach to science education, and was very well received.
As part of the event, students also took part in a scientific escape room challenge, where they collaborated to solve science-themed puzzles. The team successfully “freed Einstein” in under 15 minutes — a fun and engaging exercise that promoted teamwork and critical thinking in a scientific context.
Grade 9: sCYence Fair at The Cyprus Institute
Grade 9 students Kira, Viktoria, and Sylvia took part in the sCYence Fair, a prestigious science competition hosted by The Cyprus Institute, one of the island’s leading research institutions. Competing alongside students from over 40 schools, the team proudly showcased their project, while developing their presentation and science communication skills.
Their classmates joined them in support, exploring a wide range of innovative projects and engaging directly with professional researchers. Although the team did not bring home a trophy this time, the experience proved incredibly rewarding — sparking fresh inspiration and celebrating the power of creativity, inquiry, and collaboration in science.
Robobobers Shine in their Inaugural Robotics Challenge
Our inaugural robotics team, the Robobobers, comprising Kira (Captain), Sava, Alisa, Lester, Emin and Sandy, recently competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge Cyprus, where they showcased their impressive engineering and programming skills. The team delivered an outstanding performance, securing 5th place out of 28 teams and proudly bringing home two awards: Connect Award – Recognised for exceptional engagement with the STEM community and for building meaningful professional connections and Motivate Award – Celebrated for inspiring others and promoting the culture of FIRST by making STEM engaging and accessible for all.
In recognition of their achievements, the Robobobers have been invited to represent the school at the FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event, taking place from 1st to 5th July 2025 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. We are incredibly proud of the team — good luck in Europe, Robobobers!
Letter to parents from Kira
My name is Kira, and I am the team lead of Robobober, the school robotics team at Lumio Private School, based in the Paphos region of Cyprus.
We are proud to be the only active school robotics team in Paphos, and we firmly believe our initiative marks the beginning of a long-term effort to develop engineering and technical skills among young people in our city and across the island.
This year, we competed in the 2025 Cyprus National Robotics Championship (FTC “Into the Deep”), where we were honoured to receive two prestigious awards — Motivate and Connect — and placed 5th out of 26 teams. Thanks to these results, we have been personally invited to represent Cyprus at the FTC European Premiere Event 2025, taking place from 1st to 5th July in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
This invitation is not only a great honour, but also a unique opportunity to represent the Paphos region on the international stage, gain inspiration, and bring valuable knowledge back to share with other students. We have already started building a wider community: we’ve hosted two student meet-ups in Cyprus and are now planning further collaborative educational projects and workshops.
However, participating in an international competition requires both careful preparation and considerable financial support. Total estimated cost is approx. €10,000
Our school and families are already providing significant support, but we are kindly seeking additional sponsorship to help make this opportunity possible. In return, we would be proud to display your company’s logo on our team uniforms, robot, and presentation materials. We would also actively acknowledge your support across social media, in press coverage, and in a formal post-event report.
Your support would not only help one team—but also contribute to building a strong foundation for technological and scientific engagement among the youth of Paphos.
Thank you very much for considering our request.
With sincere gratitude,
Kira
Team Lead – Lumio Robobober Robotics Team
To support our team please email: info@lumio.school or visit our Reception office.
Meet our Team
Dr. Andreas Economou, Head of Science. – Holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Manchester. A former pharmaceutical researcher and co-author of Pearson’s IBDP Chemistry 3rd Edition, Dr Economou discovered his passion for teaching while working as a university tutor. His outreach work as a ‘Science Ambassador’ in Greater Manchester inspired students through hands-on demonstrations and interactive learning. With over 10 years’ IB experience, he has led science departments and served as Head of Secondary at international schools around the world.
Alexander Skomorokhov, Physics Advisor. –Aleksandr holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education (Physics) from the Russian State Pedagogical University. He has over 15 years of experience teaching Science in schools across the globe, including in Russia, Georgia, and the Dominican Republic bringing his passion for innovation and hands-on learning to diverse classrooms around the world.
A dedicated Robotics mentor, Aleksandr has guided student teams to numerous awards, including accolades at the prestigious FIRST World Championship. Prior to his international career, he spent three years as the lead organiser of the National Robotics Championship in Russia. For the past two years, he has also served as an invited Judge at the World Championship.
Islambek Esenov, Biology Advisor. – Islambek holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Fatih University (Turkey), a Master’s in Pedagogy from International Alatoo University (Kyrgyzstan), and a Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching Biology. He has taught IGCSE and A Level Biology internationally — including roles as Head of Biology at Kings International School (Yangon), and assessment specialist for Biology Olympiads. His international experience has shaped a culturally responsive, student-focused approach to science education. A fluent speaker of English, Russian, Kyrgyz, and Turkish, Islambek thrives in multilingual classrooms.
Petr Svalov, Computer Science Advisor. – Petr holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Power Systems from Ural Federal University, along with a professional retraining qualification from the Institute for Educational Development. He is a Certified Evaluating Expert in Mobile Robotics with WorldSkills (2021–2023). He has taught Computer Science and Robotics in both Moscow and Yekaterinburg, where he led innovative projects such as IT Polygon, developed curriculum materials, and designed career guidance programmes. Petr has served as an expert assessor at WorldSkills, mentoring students in mobile robotics and evaluating national-level competitions. A dedicated educator and programme developer, Petr has created interactive learning resources and organised numerous robotics competitions to promote hands-on learning and technical creativity. His commitment to student success and passion for technology make him a dynamic presence in the classroom.
