Science masterclasses with local secondary school

Our Science team has been delivering a series of six masterclasses to gifted and talented Year 10 female students from Bishop Thomas Grant School. 12 students and one teacher attend the masterclasses delivered by Sydenham High School staff covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics. They are joined by eight Sydenham High School students. Each session is focused around a challenging practical activity and the scientific theory behind it with the aim to encourage more students to choose STEM subjects at A-level.

Aims

To engage gifted and talented students in Science enrichment sessions.

To encourage engagement in the Sciences.

To learn about topics in Science that are not part of the national curriculum.

To focus on Science practical skills and extend scientific knowledge.

Background

The Deputy Head contacted Bishop Thomas Grant School to offer Science masterclasses.  After the initial introduction, the Head of Science and Head of Chemistry at Sydenham High School have liaised with Science staff at Bishop Thomas Grant School.

Since Febraury 2018, the masterclasses have occurred annually.

Resources

All members of the Sydenham High School Science staff contribute to the masteclasses.  The Technicians provide support and the teaching staff deliver at least one session during the series.

The masterclasses are hosted at Sydenham High School in the science laboratories. 

Science resources are also provided by Sydenham High School at an approximate cost of £80 in total.

Approximately eight, one to two hour masterclasses are delivered annually.

Impact

Each year, the topics covered vary depending on interest. Topics have included - 

- using lenses
- dissection
- stationary waves
- redox reactions and synthesis of aspirin
- DNA extraction
- looking at chromosomes in mitosis
- vital life signs
- Oceanography.

Students gained experience or enhanced their knowledge of:

- practical Science skills
- observational, analytical and evaluation skills
- the wide variety of Science careers available
- exciting and enriching Science topics.

What teachers and mentors achieved/skills learnt:

- teachers challenged to extend able students
- teachers from both schools sharing expertise and discussing aspects of the topics being covered
- teachers forging professional links that may lead to further learning opportunities for students at both schools.

Pupil Involvement

Twelve Year 10 girls and one teacher attend from Bishop Thomas Grant School, annually. They are joined by eight Year 10 girls from Sydenham High School.

 

Frequency

Ongoing, annual series of eight masterclasses in the spring term. The masterclasses are between one and two hours in duration.