Curricular, cross-curricular or fabulously offbeat, what are the innovative approaches schools use to engage students with the brilliance of science – for study, careers and future life? Absolutely Education speaks to four schools that make the subject real
Tonbridge School
“If we’re not reaching for real-world examples of science in our lessons, then we are missing half the fun”, says Nick Waite, Head of Science at Tonbridge School. “It’s the hands-on experiments and relatable examples that make science stand out, sparking curiosity in ways that other subjects can’t match.” The goal here is to ensure every lesson includes an exciting experiment or memorable demonstration to “anchor” theory in life, adds Nick Waite. “Whether it’s exploring diseases in biology, thrilling explosions in chemistry, or the high-speed world of Formula 1 in physics, these real-world connections transform abstract concepts into something tangible.” The school’s cutting-edge Science Centre is designed to ignite curiosity, featuring displays, videos, challenging questions and posters about past projects.
It’s about keeping science lively, so students here are often on their feet, collaborating, problem-solving, and presenting solutions on the whiteboards spanning the walls of labs. “By integrating technology – whether it’s using ChatGPT as a virtual study companion, tackling online question banks, or exploring YouTube – we empower our students to dive deeper, expanding their understanding and making learning an adventure,” says Nick Waite.
Tonbridge became the first school to earn ‘Employer Champion’ status from the Science Council, in recognition of its commitment to staff training and professional development. And in September, the school’s Senior Chemistry Technician received the Hauksbee Award from the Royal Society for her contribution to sparking scientific curiosity and driving collaboration across schools. “Our educators are not only experts in their fields but also pioneers in delivering cutting-edge, engaging STEM experiences for our students.”
“If we’re not reaching for real-world examples of science in our lessons, then we are missing half the fun”
Cross-curricular approaches are a big part of bringing science to life. From constructing model rockets to learning about the iterative design improvements required in engineering, there are multiple real-world opportunities. External speakers are a big part of the mix and students also deliver presentations to their peers, as well as producing a school science magazine. The school’s annual science conference – in its 20th year – now brings together over 20 different schools. Visitors from Japan and California have been among participants in recent years.
There’s a science communication competition, now in its third year, that Nick Waite says is proving to be an excellent platform for young people across London and the south-east to distil and articulate big ideas persuasively. ‘These activities not only deepen scientific knowledge but also cultivate essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and leadership among like-minded pupils.”
Many students here choose STEM subjects at university, and careers-related activities are designed to the subjects’ versatility. “They highlight the value of studying STEM subjects, not just for those pursuing science-based careers but also as a foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in any field they may choose,” says Nick Waite.
Tonbridge School tonbridge-school.co.uk
Stephen Perse Cambridge
“We are fortunate to be located in central Cambridge, surrounded by the world-renowned university as well as a multitude of leading science and technology companies, ranging from biotechnology to pharmaceuticals, computer science and AI,” says Stephen Perse Cambridge Head of Science and Biology Alexander Van Dijk.
This means the real world of science is very much in evidence and the school makes good use of local resources by taking students to events around the city. Recent examples include a ‘Physics at Work’ educational outreach event at the Cavendish Laboratory, trips to the city’s Museum of Zoology and to the school’s own nature reserve. Here, students get involved with ‘live’ science. “We have set up semi-permanent quadrats to allow the tracking of species diversity over time and analysis of the impact of mowing on the sedge,” says Alexander Van Dijk.
Extracurricular activities are encouraged – helping to build problem-solving and critical thinking skills as well as make science enjoyable. “Our TeenTech club has inspired students to achieve incredible things, including one student who designed a new music curation model and a team that investigated how we can use AI to help with garden design and maintenance.”
“One student designed a new music curation model, and a team investigated how we can use AI in garden design and maintenance”
Science Extension sessions enable students to meet weekly to discuss a wide range of topics – from de-extinction and the science of tanning to time and space. “One particularly engaging cross-curricular activity saw our science students visit RAF Henlow in collaboration with the languages department, where our budding engineers were able to design a space station in one of three modern foreign languages.” Students participate in various Olympiad competitions and use IsaacPhysics to reinforce their studies – one student even bagged a place at a University of Cambridge summer school as one of the top 50 school physics students in the country.
Thanks to the school’s science-centric location, there are regular talks from the parent body – recent discussions have included synthetic biology and the protection of endangered species. Careers and university talks open up possibilities even for those focusing on other fields. “The majority of our students studying science at A level go on to study related university courses, but even those who don’t will have developed key critical thinking skills that will stand them in good stead,” says Alexander Van Dijk.
He adds that they also consider possibilities beyond the obvious STEM futures. “Students recently heard from scientific organisation Costello Medical, which highlighted the science and medicine careers available for arts and humanities students, such as medical communications and compliance.”
Stephen Perse Cambridge stephenperse.com
Concord College
With a superb science building at the heart of its Shropshire campus, Concord College is focused on the future opportunities that await its student cohort. “Part of our vision for science at Concord College is to inspire students to become the scientists of the future,” says Head of Science Barry Brown. There are very practical applications of science thinking. When they first arrive at Concord, Year 9 (F3) students complete a seven-week neuroscience of learning course. The aim is to use science to become a more effective learner. “They experience a wealth of practical investigations leading to two opportunities to complete a British Science Association CREST Award, working in collaborative groups to solve a real-world problem,” adds Barry Brown.
There are 30 science teachers at Concord, and the school also invites scientists from academia and industry in to speak. Students experience higher-level study by attending university lectures, and with insights into industry, too. “For example, we are forging a link with Ricoh 3-D with our aspiring engineers.” The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) that is a feature of sixth form life here is also a great forum for science investigation. Many students opt for a practical science-led investigation and the College’s research lab is open every Monday night for four hours specifically for this purpose. Students are mentored by experienced teachers and have access to equipment such as 3-D printers, spectrometers and a muon detector.
The EPQ successes bear out the value of the facilities and support given to students. But they also pass on their wisdom and have both research and communication of findings tested in a ‘live’ situation. “Sixth Form students present their EPQ work and younger students are able to ask questions and learn about the breadth of applications of scientific research,” says Assistant Principal (Student Futures) Diane Van Dongen.
“Sixth Form students present their EPQ work and younger students are able to ask questions”
Homegrown and student-led academic societies hold formal and informal meetings every week, supported by staff. There are also areas where STEM comes together with humanities – for instance, in discussions on medical ethics or the economics of high-tech engineering companies. “Seeing the place that science plays in society and understanding that the society around us can affect the science we do are important for aspiring STEM students,” says Diane Van Dongen.
The annual medical conference hosted at the College is now open to all aspiring medics in the region, with some elements available online. “It features visiting speakers, hands-on workshops and the chance to meet 1:1 with practicing doctors and staff from university medical schools,” says Barry Brown. The Engineering Society has followed suit, with an increasingly ambitious programme of lectures, visits, discussions and masterclasses, and there are also active groups for biochemistry and physics.
The buzz around science rubs off. “With such student enthusiasm we are also able to involve many students studying non-STEM subjects in the wider discussion around science,” says Diane Van Dongen. “With so many careers even in apparently non-STEM fields making use of technologies such as IT or smart materials, it is important that science is part of everyone’s knowledge landscape.”
Concord College concordcollegeuk.com
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School
At The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS) in Kent, the science department is committed to building engagement with science through innovative programmes, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning experiences. One of the school’s most prestigious initiatives is its participation in the Independent Research in Schools (IRIS) project. This enables DOYRMS students to undertake novel research projects and present their findings at academic conferences, mirroring the processes that professional scientists and postgraduate researchers follow.
Beyond IRIS, students are given the chance to compete in various STEM competitions, both locally and nationally. These include the Top of the Bench competition, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which challenges young chemists to showcase their skills. The team here say that these opportunities not only boost students’ scientific knowledge but also help them build confidence and experience in public speaking and presenting research to an informed and mixed-age audience – all useful stuff for future university and job interviews.
“Regular laboratory days at a nearby science park’s community lab give students experience using industrial-grade equipment”
The school’s team of science teachers includes many who previously held positions in industry before moving across to teaching. DOYRMS says this real-world experience enables STEM teachers to bring a lived perspective to the classroom, ensuring that students are always thinking in terms of the latest advancements in science and the real-world value they bring.
Collaboration is a key aspect of the school’s science approach, helping to boost engagement. Teachers from different science disciplines regularly share best practice and work together on cross-curricular projects – particularly with the maths department, to develop common approaches to mathematical literacy across the school.
Extracurricular activities play a significant role here, especially when it comes to building interest and knowledge in science. There are 60 wildly diverse activities to choose from, including VR and ecology clubs, as well as clubs related to the physics and chemistry Olympiads. There are regular laboratory days at a nearby science park’s community lab, giving students practical and hands-on experience using industrial-grade equipment.
The DOYRMS team know that science engagement, in and out of the classroom, throughout their school days pays dividends when it comes to inspiring future STEM-related careers. Triple sciences are common through to A level, and with many students heading off to university to study sciences and maths.
Duke of York’s Royal Military School doyrms.com
Further reading: Humanities in focus
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