Students and staff had a brilliant time celebrating British Science Week. This nationwide event, which takes place in March each year, aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with STEM through a variety of exciting activities, experiments and events.
The theme for 2025, ‘Change and Adapt’, provided plenty of inspiration for practical lessons. In chemistry, students in Years 7 to 9 learned how to create simple batteries from everyday materials, developing their understanding of the chemical reactions that take place, and the power of science and innovation in creating energy sources. In physics, they used their engineering skills and knowledge of forces to design and build towers using only three resources: paper, nuts and bolts. Their towers had to be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and earthquakes, and lots of fun was had testing them! In biology lessons, the students explored the uniqueness of fingerprints, learning how they can be lifted from different surfaces and used in forensic investigations.
During the same week, were thrilled to welcome Mia Wyndham, a Graduate Engineer, to school, who delivered a thought-provoking assembly on careers in engineering. Mia shared her personal journey into the field of engineering and offered valuable insights into the vast opportunities that exist within the industry. In addition to Mia’s inspiring talk, two other guest speakers visited during lunchtimes to talk to students about opportunities in engineering.
The Science Department launched its annual poster competition for Key Stage 3 students, challenging them to design a poster on the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’. There were lots of fantastic entries, making the judging process a difficult one! Congratulations to first prize winners, Zoya D (Y7), Cynthia X (Y8) and Maria H (Y9), and to second prize winners Sophie C (Y7), Mariella T (Y8) and Jelina P (Y9). There was also a fun science-themed treasure hunt around the Senior School – an exciting and interactive way for students to explore the world of science!
Our Prep School science teacher, Miss Knight-Adams, launched British Science Week with a special assembly, sparking the children’s interest with a chemical reaction that blew up a glove! Pupils enjoyed a quiz and were invited to enter the Prep School Science Competition. To be in with a chance of winning the science trophy, they were tasked with carrying out a science investigation or research linked to this year’s theme. Congratulations to the winners: Esme (Key Stage 1 winner), Amelie and Sofia (Key Stage 2 winners) and Chloe (overall winner).
Science lessons were also linked to the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’, with pupils enjoying various colour-changing experiments. They got hands-on with their learning, exploring how colours can be separated using chromatography, and how red cabbage can be an indicator for pH. They especially enjoyed testing different substances to see if they were acid or alkali. Younger pupils were introduced to the concept of camouflage in nature, examining how animals and plants use colour and patterns to blend in with their surroundings. Years 3 and 4 also participated in a live lesson called ‘Adapting Beneath the Waves’, which was led by the Manta Trust.
The week left students of all ages feeling inspired and eager to continue exploring the wonders of science and STEM.
