Last week, we celebrated National Science Week with an explosion of creativity and learning across the entire school. From Junior School students engineering air-powered animal models to science-themed bake sales in the Senior School, there were endless ways for students to get involved.
At Sidcot, we believe learning should be an engaging experience, and our science lessons are no exception. We give students opportunities to explore real-world scientific scenarios, helping them imagine future pathways from a young age. At the same time, our Quaker values remain at the heart of every lesson, with sustainability and community woven into the way we learn and work together.
Our youngest scientists in J1 and J2 explored what it means to stay healthy in both body and mind. Through hands-on investigations into germ transmission and heart rate monitoring, they discovered the invisible world of biology. This scientific task was paired with wellbeing‑focused activities as each student crafted a personal Wellbeing Toolkit. These kits were filled with resources they created themselves, including feelings spinners, worry peg dolls, gratitude jars, and mindfulness promise cards to help them navigate their emotions every day.
In J3 and J4, classrooms were transformed into engineering workshops. The children explored the physics of energy through pneumatic power by designing and constructing intricate animal models. By using a system of syringes and piping, the students learned how compressed air can be harnessed to create mechanical motion. Teachers were incredibly impressed by the creativity and persistent problem-solving skills shown by the children as they adjusted their designs to ensure their animals functioned perfectly.
J5 have had a terrific week focusing on our UN goal of zero hunger. We have had a visit from Cheddar Food Bank, researched and written our own recipes using food donation items. We have made our delicious, balanced meals using slow cookers and made our own bread from scratch. We also weighed the school’s food waste and visited our school kitchens to find out about how they operate. We then wrote persuasive speeches and designed posters to try to help reduce our school’s waste.
J6 were delighted to welcome a talk from Aishah's Food Charity, a local charity based in Weston-super-Mare and the only organisation in the area providing weekly hot meals for those in need. As part of the project, pupils also took part in a Business Studies lesson in the Senior School with James Milne, where they learned about entrepreneurship and social impact.
J6 then researched, designed and created their own sustainable products to sell. Every penny raised was donated to Aishah’s Food Charity, helping to support their vital work and combat poverty within the local community. We are incredibly proud of the pupils for their creativity, teamwork and compassion.
Senior School Science Week
By Tamara Reed, Head of Science
Science week was full of fun and energy last week with a ‘Curiosity’ theme. Students had the chance to get involved in a range of activities, including a school‑wide treasure hunt that encouraged them to uncover fascinating facts about famous scientists, sparking inspiration and wonder about the world of science. They were also invited to take part in the National Science Week poster competition, creating designs based on a scientific question or theme of their choice. This encouraged independent research, creative thinking, and a chance for students to explore scientific ideas in imaginative ways.
But the highlight of the week had to be our science-themed bake sale on Friday, raising money for the charity Comic Relief. The judges felt that the volcano cake designed by Eli (Year 7) was the winner for innovation, as the cake came with props and instructions! However, in terms of creative designs, the DNA cake by Ruby (Year 7) and the IVF cake by Harry (Year 9) were outstanding. The Smarties cake by Harriet (Year 7) sold out in minutes and was definitely a firm favourite with students. Cupcakes by Isaac (Year 7) were also gone in minutes, with students not at all being put off by the frogs and brains as cake toppers! Well done to all who participated in making the week a success, and thank you for your support!
