Develop extra-curricular, cross-curricular and curriculum enrichment programmes to ignite and foster a wider interest in Science

Switching students on to Science through Art

In October 2002, Cramlington High School launched its first partner school science competition, where we asked students to send in a piece of art, writing or sculpture to describe what a journey into deep space would be like.

We received loads of pictures, stories and models, including this fantastic entry portraying a spaceship built from Lego, including flashing lights and motors.

Nick Arnold, the Author 
of the Horrible Science Books, was able to present prizes to all of the entrants at the Super Science Day, more of which later!

Turning our young writers on to Science.

Each edition of the school newspaper The Crameltonian, includes a colour science supplement. Groups of students are now used to research and write the articles for the ‘Focus on Science’ feature. 

Science Enrichment for our Sixth Form

Year 12 students have been entered for the Physics Olympiad for the first time.

Science Investigations Week

In June 2003, all of our Year 9 students took part in Science Investigations Week. 

During the week, they worked collaboratively in teams on a number of challenges, each having a science based theme. 

One of the challenges of the week was based around Nick Arnold’s hugely successful ‘Horrible Science’ books. Different tutor groups were given different Horrible science titles, and had to create a marketplace stall about their Horrible Science title which would be displayed during the Super Science Day which provided the culmination of the week. 

Throughout each challenge students worked on developing a number of critical skills, including collaboration, communication and problem solving. A significant number of students enjoyed the week enough to stand at their stall on the Saturday to present their work to the Cramlington Community.

Science Immersion Week

Following Science Investigations Week, students in Year 9 moved into Science Investigations Week. A range of activities were offered to students which were planned by departments in conjunction with the Science Department. Students then immersed themselves in a chosen subject area which also made explicit the underpinning science principles

We set out to give students

• An extended length of time to immerse themselves fully in a subject area of interest
• A chance to broaden their scientific awareness and understanding through the explicit linking of scientific ideas with their chosen area
• An exciting opportunity to learn in a ‘real world’ context.

Amongst the available activities were

• Science of Spain
• Literary study of the elements
• Scientific culture of France
• Staying Alive underground
• Science of Special effects
• Science /Drama production
• Energy in the North East technology week.
• Science of Art and the Art of Science.

Students at work on their science fact or fiction? Models built during Immersion week

Science Immersion Week 2004 will aim to build on the success of the 2003 project, making the science in each activity even more explicit.