Excitement and innovation filled the classrooms at Sidcot as students from J5, J6, and Year 7 came together for an unforgettable cross-curricular experience. Working in small, mixed-year groups, students were guided by staff from the Science and Business departments, as well as the Junior School team. The challenge? To design creative, real-world solutions in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment that brought their classroom knowledge and skills to life.
Throughout the morning, students explored the fascinating intersection of science and enterprise, delving into careers that blend creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Each group was given a unique problem to solve and tasked with designing a product that was not only scientifically feasible but also marketable and financially viable. To bring their ideas to life, students took on specific roles within their teams—such as facilitator, researcher, and quality controller—mirroring the structure of a real start-up environment. These roles helped ensure purposeful collaboration, with every team member contributing meaningfully to the success of their project.
The ideas they generated were as impressive as they were imaginative. From ocean-cleaning devices designed to combat plastic pollution, to wearable immunity trackers and interactive smart glasses, the projects showcased an exciting mix of innovation and practicality. One group even pitched a self-cleaning dog bed—a hit with students and staff alike!
The event's success was made possible by the hard work and vision of the Sidcot team. Special thanks go to Tamara Reed (Head of Science), Dave McDonagh (Head of Business), and Alex Lickorish (Head of Lower School) who brought the Dragons’ Den concept to life and ensured the morning ran smoothly. We’re also incredibly grateful to our Science and Business Lead Learners from the Senior School, who not only supported the younger students but also stepped into the role of the ‘Dragons’—offering feedback, encouragement, and a taste of what it's like to bring a product pitch to life.
Beyond the buzz of invention and presentation, this event had a lasting impact. It helped students reflect on Sidcot’s core values, encouraging them to remain curious, work collaboratively, and take pride in their strengths. One Junior School student summed it up perfectly:
“Bridging Day was brilliant! We got to work with our own classmates and with older pupils, which made it even more exciting. It was fun seeing how everyone had different ideas, and we learned how to listen, share, and work together.”
Another noted:
“One of the most interesting parts was realising that Art and Science are everywhere! We never thought a sports shoe had so much behind it—design, materials, even the colours and shapes matter.”
This experience wasn’t just valuable for our younger students. Year 7s had the opportunity to mentor and guide the Junior School pupils, offering them a glimpse into the world of the Senior School. Meanwhile, our Lead Learners demonstrated both leadership and passion, further developing their own confidence and communication skills.
Bridging the Curriculum is just one of many events designed to ease the transition between key stages while promoting key skills, cross-curricular thinking, and career awareness. We can’t wait to share more soon — next up, our Future Focus event for Year 10!