Welcome to the See Science Secondary School Newsletter
|
|
|
Welcome to November's newsletter. We hope you had a relaxing half term break.
There's lots coming up this Autumn both online and inperson.
We know there are a few bugs with the new STEM Ambassador Platform but hope that nearly all the main issues are now resolved. STEM Learning appreciate your patience as they work to resolve them. Your feedback so far has been invaluable - thank you for helping us improve the experience for everyone.
If you are running a STEM Club or organising a Careers Fair please post a request on the platform so that STEM Ambassadors can offer help with events.
We have highlighted some upcoming events in Wales below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's been happening in Wales
|
|
|
Super Science Saturday
Super Science Saturday was a remarkable event held at Brecon High School on Saturday, 4th October. This exciting day of discovery and exploration was organised by the Institute of Physics and proudly supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, showcasing a variety of fascinating science-based activities and interactive presentations for people of all ages.
The day featured captivating shows designed to engage and educate attendees on various scientific concepts. One of the highlights was "Harry Potter - Science or Magic?", an intriguing show that explored the science behind some of the magical phenomena seen in the iconic Harry Potter series. Another standout presentation was "Frozen!", which delved into amazing scientific principles using ice and cold temperatures as the basis for experiments and demonstrations. Additionally, Science Made Simple delivered an engaging and interactive show aimed at uncovering the mysteries of water—examining its composition and the extraordinary things it can do, offering insights into this fundamental substance that shapes our world.
Families, friends, and teachers from both primary and secondary schools came together to enjoy the day. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for networking and sharing knowledge, fostering connections between educators, students, and the wider community, all united by their enthusiasm for science.
During the lunch break, attendees were treated to "The Great Science Share", a session packed with hands-on activities that delighted children and adults alike. Participants had the chance to construct jelly baby towers, experiment with floating and sinking, and explore a stunning map of Wales filled with fascinating scientific details. These activities encouraged creativity and curiosity, allowing young minds to engage directly with science in a fun and practical way.
A special thanks was extended to the dedicated STEM Ambassadors who volunteered their time and expertise to make the day such a success. Despite the challenging conditions brought by Storm Amy, the event drew an impressive crowd, with over 150 adults and children attending. Their resilience and enthusiasm truly highlighted the passion for science in the community.
Super Science Saturday was not only an educational experience but also a celebration of science that sparked wonder and excitement in everyone who attended. It demonstrated the vital importance of bringing science to life and making it accessible to all, inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators, and curious minds.
|
The Swansea Science Festival, the largest Festival of its kind in Wales
The Swansea Science Festival, recognised as the largest science festival in Wales, is set to took place on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October 2025. This exciting weekend offered an unique opportunity for individuals of all ages to engage with science through discovery, fun, and inspiration
|
|
|
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the presence of Hamza Yassin, a renowned wildlife cameraman and Strictly Come Dancing champion. Hamza will delivered captivating talks, sharing fascinating stories from his experiences behind the camera and discussing his deep passion for the natural world.
As usual the festival boasts a diverse programme of shows and activities designed to spark curiosity and excitement. These include interactive sessions such as "Bubbles and Balloons!", "Super Hero Scientists", and the visually stunning "Glow with the Flow!". Whether you’re interested in hands-on experiments, creative exploration, or scientific demonstrations, there is something for everyone.
A key feature of the event is its accessibility, offering an affordable way for families to spend quality time together during the half-term break. With a mix of free activities and ticketed events, visitors can choose from a wide range of engaging options tailored to all age groups.
In addition to the live performances, attendees will have the chance to visit exhibition stands showcasing cutting-edge research conducted at Swansea University. These exhibits provide a hands-on opportunity to explore innovative scientific advancements and discover new ideas.
With over 6,000 attendees last year, the Swansea Science Festival continues to grow in popularity and promises an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in science, technology, and discovery
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oriel Science Workshops
Oriel Science at Swansea offers free, curriculum-linked science workshops for state
schools.
Each 90-minute session is designed by an experienced teacher, aligned with the
Curriculum for Wales, and available to book between 10:00–15:00, Tuesday to
Friday during term time.
Themes change regularly, so if you don’t find something that fits your class this time,
check back soon.
|
|
|
|
The British Science Week 2026 taster pack is out now
|
|
|
CREST
The packs also include a wide range of fun, hands-on activities, and loads of useful information about running CREST Awards, British Science Association’s flagship STEM education programme. Many of the activities are suitable for CREST Awards, so if you enjoyed using them, why not think about running a CREST Award? CREST Awards give students real-life experience of being a scientist while getting introduced to STEM project work. They are nationally accredited and are a fun, yet educational way to get your children involved in STEM subjects.
|
|
Our full activity packs, arriving in January 2026, will be bursting with fun, hands-on ideas to spark curiosity and inspire young minds to explore the world around them. Can’t wait until then? Dive into the taster pack now and start exploring.Following the success of last year’s bumper pack, in which we brought activities for early years, primary and secondary-aged audiences together, we’re doing the same this year – all the activities are in one place
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
POP into Protecting our Planet Day in November 2025!
Protecting Our Planet Day (POP) is the inspiring live-streamed event for schools brought to you by the UK Space Education Office (ESERO-UK) at STEM Learning and in collaboration with the European Space Agency and the UK Space Agency.Join us on Thursday 27th November when a world full of experts and leading researchers - passionate people working to protect our planet from here on Earth and from space - pop into your classroom. POP25 welcomes new inspirational speakers as well as previous legendary partners popping back in!
|
|
|
**ESERO resources available in Welsh soon.**
Register for POP25 and pop in and out of sessions across the day with your class or whole school.
|
Driving Innovation through STEM Education. Tuesday 25 November 10am online
Welcome to our online event where we explore the exciting world of STEM education and how it drives innovation! Join us for engaging discussions, interactive workshops, and insights from an Award Winning STEM Ambassador. Whether you're a student, educator, or simply curious about STEM, this event is perfect for you. To book your place click
here
|
|
|
|
|
Cardiff Scientific Society Centenary Poster Competition - Sciene for the Future
In 2026 the Cardiff Scientific Society turns 100 - their mission has been to share how science shpaes everyday life - through lively public lectires and demonstrations. bThis competitin invites the next generation to imagine what science will do next. Create an A3 poster accompanied by an explanation to 250 words. Shortlisted entrants will prepare a 3-5min presentation on the research that led to the poster.
Submission deadline 18th March 2026
Winner received £100 plus Royal institiution Lectiure invite and travel
For more information please scan the QR code in the poster or go to
Cardiff Scientific Society
webiste
|
|
|
|
|
Live Talks
aimed at secondary aged students (most suitable for KS3-5), are informative and engaging, and there will be the opportunity to ask questions afterwards.
This virtual secondary school assembly talk will take place using MS Teams Live. The platform has safeguarding built-in to make it a safe online environment, especially for young people, including no webcams or microphones and a live Q&A function which is fully moderated.
|
|
|
|
Driven by Curiosity: How Anushka Engineered Her Way to McLaren
|
|
|
8:40am-9:10am
Online: Microsoft TEAMS Live
|
Celebrate Tomorrow’s Engineers Week with STEM Ambassador Anushka, a female mechanical engineer, as she shares her career journey and inspires the next generation of engineers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aerospace Engineering – Fail Fast, Learn Quickly
|
|
|
8:40am-9:10am
Online: Microsoft TEAMS Live
|
Join STEM Ambassador Mark for a live talk during Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, where he’ll discuss his career in Aerospace Engineering, the importance of learning from mistakes, and his journey in the field.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STEM Clubs Technicians
Take part in the exciting free STEM enrichment programme that provides schools with six practical and fun activities linked to technical roles.
Schools choose how to
deliver them: enrichment sessions, curricular lesson or a STEM club.
The programme supports school careers plans, has webinar led training and a bursary of between £250 and £450 per school (depending upon number of students).
Registration closes 30 November
with activity delivery ending in July 2026.
|
|
|
|
Green Careers Week
Green Careers Week November 3rd- 8th is an exciting event that raises aspiration, supports diversity, challenges stereotypes, and promotes real opportunities for young people to have a career that will genuinely make a difference. Discover careers, jobs, roles, and career pathways that are green careers and develop green skills.
A green career can be any job, role or occupation that contributes to preserving or restoring the environment and our planet. It can be any industry, not just those seen as ‘green.’ Green skills are abilities, attributes, values, attitudes, knowledge, and technical skills needed to adapt services, processes and procedures to support climate change.
|
|
|
|
|
The North East, Yorkshire and Humber STEM Hub, in partnership with Teesside and Durham University, is proud to present an exciting online event on 3
rd
December 2025. Delivered as part of the Research England Hydrogen Innovation Project, funded by Research England, this event will take place online.
The main objective of this event is to highlight the important work taking place within the Net Zero sector, while helping to inspire the next generation of STEM careers. Schools are invited to participate in the morning and/or
afternoon sessions, depending on age groups.
Registrations are made by teachers,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustainable Futures: Your Green Careers Quest with London Transport Museum
Discover Green Careers with London Transport Museum – Free Live Webinar for KS3 & KS4!
9.15am or 2pm
Sustainable Futures: Your Green Careers Quest is a fast-paced, interactive session designed to spark curiosity and ambition in young people.
Through interactive activities and meeting real-life sustainability experts, students will embark on a virtual “career quest” to explore how their skills and interests can shape a greener future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FoNS Science and Innovation Competition - Imperial College London
|
The Science & Innovation Competition, which is run by the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College, is open to teams of young people of primary and secondary school age based in the UK. We welcome entries not only from schools, but also from community and youth groups.
|
|
The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition is free, and is open to young people in the UK aged 11 to 18 in state-funded secondary education, who are home educated or who enter as part of a community group.
|
|
The Young Coders competition brings you a fantastic opportunity for you and your young people to gain hands-on experience in coding with Scratch.
Currently, the
competition is open for children aged 8 to 13 years old who can work individually or in teams to create their project.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share with your friends and colleagues
|
Do all staff in your Department receive the See Science newsletter - please alsk them to register on the STEM Learning Platform to enable them to receive newsletters, request STEM Ambassadors, download resources and register for CPD opportunities
|
|
|
Become part of the STEM Community
|
We are a community of over 35,000 teachers; technicians; TA's and governors, all involved in the STEM education of young people supporting and collaborating with each other to improve the outcomes of young people
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© STEM Learning Ltd. is a not-for-profit company (05081097)
National STEM Learning Centre, University of York, York YO10 5DD
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
