From 1 to 5 March, we hosted our annual STEM Week event under the new title, STEMagination Week. Taking the theme of creativity in science, the programme included online shows, insightful lectures and competitions for students and staff from Sevenoaks School and other local schools.
We were delighted that over 30 local schools took part in the virtual event. The line-up included an interesting 3D printing session of the Bloodhound supersonic car, a slow drawing class designed to explore the power of observation, and a liquid nitrogen workshop, which left viewers amazed. Students also had the opportunity to watch and engage with award-winning shows from Science Made Simple, which broke down the science in sport, music, bubbles and engineering. Organised by the department of Science and Technology, the event is part of our ongoing Outreach programme, which broadens access to resources for local schools and teachers. Guest speakers included: Dr Matthew Chalmers, editor of CERN Courier magazine, who led a workshop discussing the vital role of science communication; Professor Dame Janet Thornton, director emeritus at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), who hosted a talk on the interesting world of proteins; Dr Laura Hepburn, oceanographer, who spoke about her research into hydrothermal vents in the deep oceans using robotic technology, and Dr Francisco Diego, UCL, who taught younger students to “Think Universe!”. There was something for everyone with content tailored to audiences from Key Stage 1 up to Key Stage 5. The programme was created to showcase scientific innovation and inspire creative thinking in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The virtual event links will remain on the website for external schools to continue to access as an ongoing STEAM resource. Dr Ali Galloni, Head of Science and Technology, comments: ‘This event gives us an opportunity to explore ideas across different subject areas which may offer new perspectives. It is so enjoyable to facilitate collaboration and discussion between the external speakers, our own school community and especially the wider schools’ network. We are delighted that so many have taken part in the event virtually this year.’
