science specialism

 

Science Specialism at Skinners'

The Skinners' School is a Specialist Science School and has gained a second specialism in Mathematics & Computing.  We are interested in developing projects that use the tools of science and maths in an engineering context through our STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) / Sustainability programme.

In September 2012 we introduced STEM as a discrete subject for Years 7-9. This exciting and innovative curriculum initiative has developed from the STEM work shown below.

In July 2011, the STEM teaching team and Year 8 pupils at Skinners' undertook a 'Circular Economy' project focusing upon sustainability and 'closed loop' thinking. We worked with the Nuffield STEM Futures programme and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on this project. A short film about the project can be viewed by clicking on the image below.

In July 2011 we were fortunate to be invited to The University of Sheffield to take part in a 'hands-on' STEM day at the university. A full report can be viewed by clicking here.

We recently featured on the Radio 4 series 'Costing the Earth - Greening the Teens'. Click on the photo below to listen to the programme.

The School won the National Science and Engineering Competition (NSEC) sponsored by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust winning entry for innovative and effective practice in STEM.

The NSEC Awards ceremony on 11 March 2011 was compered by Kate Bellingham (DFE's STEM Careers Champion and Education Ambassador for the Bloodhound Engineering Adventure) with the award being presented by Jenny Jupe  (Strategic Director for Specialism and Curriculum Networks at SSAT) and Professor Brian Cox (University of Manchester, BBC 'Wonders of the Solar System' ).

The STEM award prize was a day at the University of Sheffield with the project Sunshine team (http://shine.sheffield.ac.uk/)  and a Lego Mindstorms Kit  (donated by Lego Education).  A team of 15 pupils travelled to Sheffield in July 2011 to learn about the cutting edge research concerning energy sustainability, food security and global climate change. 

 Pupils created a short film detailing some of the STEM activities at Skinners'. The film can be viewed by clicking on the image below:

 

STEM @ SKINNERS’ A snapshot of our work
Creation of a new pond at Oakley Special School – plant and animal data will be collected over the next three years in order to study the rate of natural succession in this ecosystem
Using thermal imaging cameras to determine heat loss (above) – this data is being used to target those areas of the school that require insulation/draughtproofing. Renewable energy close-up - STEM visit to the Thanet Offshore wind array – the largest offshore wind array in the world!
Measurement of S02 and C02 concentration outside the school and digitally mapping the data – this information has been used in helping us develop our school travel plan.
STEM in the community: taking some our STEM engineering projects (solar thermal panels and bike generator) to local schools and events. Also featured is the winning entry from the school organic garden, award of our second Green Flag award and sixth-form STEM ambassadors working in local primary schools, in this case explaining why hot air rises.

 

Nuffield STEM Futures 2010- Skinners' took part in the pilot study of a new integrated STEM programme that links the STEM subjects through the topical theme of sustainability, transport and futures thinking regarding energy supplies.

 

STEM Pathfinder School 2009 - 'sustainable STEM'

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths)

Skinners’ took part in a national STEM curriculum pilot study. The STEM agenda aims to meet the increasing demands for scientists and engineers and in doing so to help develop the UK economy. The aims of our STEM Pathfinder work were:

Develop STEM curriculum modules that can be replicated by other schools

Focus on ‘sustainable’ technology.

Forge industrial links to careers in STEM

Promote STEM to partner schools

Widen participation in STEM subjects and embed STEM across the curriculum

Embedding specialism in the school.

Schools are welcome to download and use materials from our STEM Pathfinder Project. Please click on the images below to find out more.

 

 

 

Solar thermal panels                                     Bike Dynamo

 

 

          

      

 

 

 

 

 

  Mag Lev                               STEM Ambassadors

 

  

STEM Ambassadors Programme @ Skinners'

Students are encouraged to think creatively and independently in order to find solutions to problems – this is linked to a whole school focus on developing personalised learning and thinking skills. STEM ambassadors demonstrate greater communication skills by working with younger primary pupils. By feeding back to others, they widen interest, participation and attainment in Technology, Science & Mathematics. They teach and demonstrate sustainable technologies in linked primary schools at assemblies and science fairs– raising awareness of STEM in a cross-phase way. STEM ambassadors in primary schools will widen interest in STEM subjects and confidence of STEM teachers in primary schools. Our STEM Ambassadors are used at science conferences as demonstrators, speakers or ‘meeters-and-greeters’. They gain in self-esteem by being part of an important and valuable school team.

We have several strands to our STEM/ Science specialism at Skinners:

 

Curriculum Pathway

STEM Pathway

Inspire Pathway

Explore Pathway

Community Pathway

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

---

 

 

---