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30 March 2023
British Science Week is one of the most anticipated events in the Northampton High School calendar. Each year, the school community relishes the opportunity to participate in an enriching programme of science-based activities organised by the school’s Science Faculty. With this year’s theme being ‘Connections’, the events that took place across the course of the week each focused on the different connections in science.
The celebration was opened in traditional fashion with Mrs Karla Hodgetts-Tate, Head of Science at Northampton High, leading a fabulous whole school assembly and kicking off a week of fun and learning. After discovering more about the impact of music on our brain, students were challenged with connecting different songs to various members of staff.
The week started as it meant to go on, with the Hardingstone-based school delivering a whole itinerary of educational workshops and events. In a week filled with exciting activities, the school welcomed two guest speakers, Science Communicator Dr Emily Grossman and TV presenter Grace Webb. Both guests had visited the GDST school previously and were back upon popular demand following lots of positive feedback from enthusiastic students. This year, Dr Grossman spoke to pupils about her fascinating journey as a science communicator; combining science, performing and activism, students were encouraged to think differently. Junior School members were treated to an entire day of activities with Grace Webb where they worked together to design and build race car models. As women in STEM, it was great to hear about their role in the field and to consider different futures in science.
A wide range of competitions, demonstrations and exhibits were on offer and proved to be the perfect accompaniment to the excellent guest speaker seminars. Northampton High’s Science department were delighted to hold their own series of bespoke lunchtimes lectures, courtesy of the faculty’s teachers. From learning about ‘Brain Structure and Brain Dissection’ to investigating ‘What is inside a horse?’ pupils at Northampton High School learned about a whole range of topics and various connections in science. The interactive science exhibit took over the school’s exhibition space during the week and featured many exciting objects, ranging from skulls and shells to spiders and frogs.
Mrs Hodgetts-Tate commented, “The theme of British Science Week this year was ‘Connections’. I wanted to take this a bit further and extend past the ordinary, simple definition and grow our Science Week. This year we gave the students an opportunity to connect with the teaching staff in a very different way, with our science teachers each holding showcase lectures or workshops based on a personal interest they have. Our Senior School Reach Lecture saw Dr Emily Grossman, GDST alumnae, deliver a truly inspirational talk about her impressive career in science. Year 1 to 4 were treated to a brilliant workshop with CBeebies’ presenter Grace Webb, where they learned about forces and motion. Everywhere I have looked this week I have found an aspect of connecting and connections – from Reception planting carrots, connecting field to fork, to students building connections with each other and gaining confidence. I think everyone should take a few minutes each day to either appreciate the connections around them or challenge themselves to connect with something new”.
Northampton High School’s love for science continues to grow, and despite this year’s Science Week coming to an end, they look forward to the series of enrichment activities planned for the coming months.
Witness the world of science for yourself at Northampton High’s upcoming Open Morning, Friday 28 April from 10:30am until 1pm. Book your place today and see how they turn ‘can we?’ into ‘we can!’ Visit https://northamptonhigh.co.uk/open-days or call 01604 765765
