Secondary Award Winners

Wow - what a busy summer we've had!  Here's a summary of the secondary minor awards we have awarded...

We were pleased to award Chauncy School a STEM award for a new Van De Graaff generator, Joule meters, ph meters and power packs.  Michele O’Hanlon (Science Teacher) explained the need for the Van de Graaff

 “Unfortunately during lockdown, mice got into one of our storage cupboards and have pretty much destroyed all the non metal parts of the Van de Graaff. We have tried to repair / replace the destroyed non metal parts to no avail. The Van de Graaff is the 'show stopper' part of any of our lessons / commitments and projects.”

She went on to help us understand the wide range of topics the equipment is needed for: 

“Forensic science sessions

Environmental / ecology sessions
Pharmaceutical product preparation
Toiletry manufacture and production
Lights, fibre optics and laser investigations
Identification of unknown substances and materials.
Electrolysis and electrochemical cell (portable fuel source production)
Investigation: acids, base, pH curves and accurate titrations.
Investigations into static electricity, weather and electrical fields.”

… and the many groups of pupils (on top of science classes) who would benefit:

“Stem Club
Crest awards
Science Club
Easter Schools
Summer schools
Primary outreach
Community day
Careers day
Open evening
Year 6 moving up day”
 

Finally, Michelle finished with general benefits of the equipment:

"The equipment would be reliable, easy to pre prepare, easy to transport, easy to use and easy to store.
The equipment would be functional and interchangeable in all of the above projects.
In class and out of class these projects will help primary and secondary students consolidate and extend scientific knowledge and achievement.
To inspire and motivate primary and secondary students to consider future STEM subject careers.”

And perhaps, most importantly:

“Finally: TO HAVE FUN!!!!!!”

We were pleased to award Goffs-Churchgate a PE Minor Award for two trampettes.  Kevin Yardley explained how the equipment would not only benefit the school’s own pupils:

“…these would be used for both students who attend the school and children in the local area who attend the classes run by our external hirers.”

Kevin went on to talk about how the trampettes would help their students:

“These would allow the students to work independently on their trampolining skills.

…The new trampolines will increase the children's motivation as there will be more access to them, as well as the fact they are newer so they will be to a higher quality.

…We will be able to run more extra-curricular activities as there will be more equipment to allow that to be possible.”

We were pleased to grant Chancellors a STEM award to design and make a series of recycling bins made from recycled/recyclable materials to be placed in every classroom and office around the school.  As James Field (Head of Technology) explained, the project will develop and enhance many areas of curriculum knowledge as well as skills such as teamwork:

“In addition to the students that head up the team in Sustain we have since discussed creating an additional team that can support the manufacture of the bin units.  This new team will be created by offering to all students in all year groups.

They, as well as the Sustain leadership committee will:

• Design the units using 2D design, taking into account standard sack sizes (capacity maximised).
• Take into account Design and Technology practices in reducing wasted material and creating an effective and strong unit.
• Test as appropriate and modify design.
• Manufacture using our laser cutter during dedicated lunchtimes.
• Assemble and distribute. “

The project will also have other real-life benefits for all pupils by:

• “raising awareness and support the environment by increasing the amount that we recycle.
• (pupils) taking responsibility for the waste they produce.
• Raising the profile of the school as a Beacon of Excellence for sustainability.”

We were pleased to award The Reach Free School a STEM Minor Award for the majority of 3 LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 Core Robotics Sets.  Annalise Armitage (Science Teacher) explained this exciting project:

“This is an in-house project that spans over 12 1.5 hour lessons and it allows pupils to build, programme and navigate their very own robot through some unique robot games and puzzles. The challenge that they are set is based on real world problems. This year's one is around being active.”

The pupils will enter the First Lego League Challenge competition which…

“…will not only help inspire pupils in STEM as it shows them how the theory they are taught in lessons can be applied not only practically, but also to real life situations, but it also helps the pupils socially and emotionally.

As this project is run over several weeks, the pupils have to show and develop resilience, teamwork, innovation, problem solving and inclusion of others.”

As well as the depth of learning benefit, we always look for the number and range of pupils who will be helped by a project and how long those benefits will last.  Annalise covered these points well:

“The project can be rolled out for all abilities and has been adapted for all to take part. I think this would be a fantastic opportunity for pupils to engage with each other, but also inspire them to dive deeper into STEM.

Although for this year it will only be delivered to a small group due to current times, once we have the equipment and resources, this is a project that can be delivered several times across several year groups, year on year within minimal additional cost.”