As a senior science technician and practical curriculum consultant for a network of schools, I have a huge appreciation for the advantages science has over other subjects when it comes to "extras"—by which I mean the fun demonstrations that reinforce teaching points with a literal bang, the experimental lessons where students can develop teamwork skills while seeing how their theoretical knowledge applies in real-life contexts, and the opportunities to connect with the UK's many great scientific and historical institutions that show how the study of science extends well beyond the school walls.
Over the last few years, we have been fortunate to work with the Royal Institution to give students exciting experiences that have had a real impact on their learning.
As an academy in an area of significant economic deprivation, the school where I am based does not have the same resources as a private institution, so the Ri’s Science in Schools grant scheme has been such an incredible help. Through this scheme, we have been able to set up days of practical science at our school, where professional demonstrators have come in to give science shows to our students.
These events were hugely successful—I truly believe the RI’s demonstration team to be among the best in the country—and for weeks and months afterwards, students referred back to them when discussing scientific concepts in the classroom.
The Ri has provided activities for students of all ages, with some of the most rewarding experiences being A-level visits to the Ri building itself. Fortunately, we are based a short bus ride away and have enjoyed several lectures and events.
As well as the talks from world-leading scientists and science communicators for which the Ri is known, something that was of particular value to our students was the tour of the building itself, including the preserved Michael Faraday lab and its historical artefacts. The staff are fantastically good at shaping tours around young people's interests and curiosities, and our students gained a great understanding of science in a wider context.
Whenever we can give our students an Ri experience, we see a huge upsurge in student enthusiasm for our science lessons.
Though we can incorporate demonstrations, practicals, and links to the real world to some extent ourselves, our students appreciate the history and expertise of the Royal Institution, and they return to their lessons full of ideas and questions. The Ri’s Science in Schools grant scheme has had an enormous positive impact on our students.
It is heartening to think that we are just one of many, many schools across the country that have benefitted.
Ri Science in Schools grant scheme
These grants are awarded annually and offer free visits from our professional presenters worth £800. Receiving schools get:
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Two performances of a science show for students
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A CPD session for teachers, using interactive demonstrations to build the skills and confidence to inspire children with practical science
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An after-school or evening community show for a family audience, to generate support for science in the home