Kingham Hill Science Week is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. This year, engaging activities, hands-on experiences and thought-provoking discussions, followed the theme of ‘Change and Adapt’.
To begin the week, 2nd Form visited Crocodiles of the World, where they had the opportunity to observe these incredible reptiles up close, and learn about their remarkable adaptations for survival. Back on the Hill, pupils participated in a forum discussion on the intersection of science and faith, exploring topics such as time, the universe, evolution, and biblical perspectives.
On Monday, pupils were treated to immersive lessons in the Wonderdome, an inflatable planetarium set up in the PAC. They embarked on a visual journey through the solar system, exploring planetary conditions, space travel, and the immense scale of our universe.
The next day, Sixth Formers stepped into the world of forensic science for a Crime Scene Investigation challenge. Competing against other schools, they used real CSI techniques to solve the mystery murder case. The pupils worked exceptionally well in teams, with the highest-performing group securing second place in the overall competition!
Midweek, 1st Form had the opportunity to explore Cotswold Wildlife Park, where they attended talks on habitats, adaptations, and conservation. The heated reptile house provided warmth and a fascinating look at creatures perfectly suited to their environments.
The afternoon then saw pupils participate in a Space Design Competition, tackling the challenge of designing spacecraft that could withstand re-entry. Using different materials, they built heat shields to protect an egg from a Bunsen burner for three minutes — some with great success!
In the evening, pupils enjoyed a film night featuring Apollo 13, a gripping depiction of real-life space travel challenges. The film perfectly complemented the week’s theme, showcasing how astronauts and engineers had to rapidly adapt to unexpected obstacles.
On Thursday, 4th Form attended Science Live in Oxford, where they heard from world-leading scientists, Professor Andrea Sella, Dave Cliff; Jim Al-Khalili and Dr. Eleonora D’Elia, who spoke about technological advances in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and their application in solving real world problems. The talks not only inspired curiosity but also introduced pupils to exciting career possibilities in STEM fields.
Throughout the morning, 1st and 2nd Form enjoyed a hands-on session, delivered by ZooLab with live animals (Giant African Land Snail, Corn Snake, Millipede, White's Tree Frog and an Asian Forest Scorpion). Pupils explored how different species have evolved to thrive in their specific habitats.
The week concluded with a video conference from Consultant Neonatologist, Dr. Gallacher. He shared insights into his life-saving work with premature and critically ill babies, offering valuable advice on pursuing a career in Medicine.
Throughout the week, a dedicated group of pupils also took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, contributing to the world’s largest citizen science project. They observed and recorded a wide variety of bird species on the Hill, making for a rewarding experience.
“Science Week was a resounding success, inspiring pupils to think critically, explore new ideas, and appreciate the ever-evolving nature of science. We look forward to another fantastic week next year!” reflected Head of Science, Mr Miller.
