• Two Workshops by Kjartan Poskitt, author of ‘Murderous Mathematics’. These workshops, which were completely sold out, proved what many sceptical mums and dads thought to be impossible -- making mathematics a jolly interesting and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
  
  
• Inflatable planetarium from the Space Centre in Leicester. This highly impressive exhibit involved visitors crawling into the 15 foot StarDome, before being taken on a journey to the stars! Projected on to the roof of the StarDome was a series of impressive images of all of the planets in our solar system, followed by arrays of stars we are lucky to catch glimpses of. The StarDome staff entertained hundreds of guests throughout the day with amazing facts about our Milky Way.
  
  
• ZooLab – One of the busiest rooms in the school on the Super Science Day, was the room containing the ZooLab. Once the buzz got around about how you could dangle the live African snake around your neck, or feel the scales on the back of the mini dragon, the crowds came in their droves. Many reluctant parents were relieved to see the tarantulas, stick insects and giant snails behind glass, the odd nervous dad ultimately gave in to the urges of their sons and daughters and let the rat or snake brush their way up their arms!
  
  
• Lazerblaze – many visitors entering the driveway to the school were shocked to be met by a 25 foot alien visitor! The alien was the centrepiece of a quasar-type game set in an inflatable maze, where those brave enough to enter the alien labyrinth with their laser gun were soon coming under fire from alien bogies!. Mr Brechin, Head of Science at the school, recorded the lowest score of any contestant on the Super Science Day.
  
  
• A workshop from the South Shields Planetarium also added to the outer space theme of the Super Science Day. Space quizzes, demonstrations and talks kept those parents less keen on snakes and aliens entertained throughout the morning. Interactive workshops from students from our middle schools also demonstrated the range of good science taking place in the partnership of Cramlington schools.
  
  
• A range of Horrible Science exhibits from year 9 students (see Science Investigations Week).

‘The Crameltonian ‘

The first ‘Focus on Science’ colour supplement went public in September 2003, detailing for the public what impact Science College status is going to have. 

Succeeding issues have contained science news, both international and local, features on our sponsors, as well as the answer to popularly asked science questions. So, for example, from the ‘Animal Questions’ issue:

• Why do geese fly in a ‘V’ shape?
• When an animal looks in a mirror, does it realise that it is looking at itself?
• Do giraffes standing on the plains of Africa ever get struck by lightning?
• My girlfriend tells me it is impossible to explain how the bumblebee flies. Apparently it defies the laws of physics. Is this true?

As well as celebrating the work of students from the partnership of schools, the community has also been asked to write in with their views on a number of science issues. 

Developing a Science College Ethos

Following consultation with governors and sponsors, we have made strides to raise the visible profile of science around the school. To do this, we have sought to tap in to the talents of our students:

Science Art and Comic work

One of the most talented students to come to CCHS is Gemma Halsey, who has recently painted a piece of scientific artwork on a large area of the corridor. The piece – titled The Future is Now – has attracted much praise from staff and students and is the first of a number of pieces Gemma has been commissioned to do.

Another of our talented students is Daniel Weatheritt, who specializes in Comic Art.

Daniel is currently writing a new comic book based around a character called Catalyst. Catalyst is a superhero with the ability to change state from solid – liquid – gas. The story will contain many more elements of science which science teachers could use to teach many different concepts. The comic genre is another way we plan to motivate students and switch them onto science.

Illinois Maths and Science Academy

In order to provide opportunities for our sixth form students to rub shoulders with students of a high calibre, Cramlington Community High School is seeking to establish a link with the Illinois Maths and Science Academy (IMSA). 

The Head of Science at CCHS made a visit to IMSA in Easter 2002 and both parties are keen to establish a link. A second visit is planned for Easter 2004, with the Head of Science being joined by the Headteacher, as well as the Heads of Chemistry and Biology. 

It is the intention that student exchange visits could be established by 2005/2006 with an e-buddy system also being set up between schools.