Science Challenges, Trips and Competitions

Oakham School pupils have embraced diverse Science challenges and experiences inside and outside the classroom, enhancing their learning and problem-solving skills this half term.

Our Form 6 IB Diploma Programme students tackled a series of challenges in teams of five or six for their Collaborative Sciences Project (CSP). Each team comprised students studying a different science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, DT, and Sports Science, and these interdisciplinary groups worked collaboratively to complete tasks and solve problems within the specified time limit. Once they had completed each of the challenges, the teams gave presentations to their peers and science teachers in their science base about their findings.

Sixth Form Chemists were invited to push themselves further by taking part in the Royal Society of Chemistry UK Olympiad. Fifteen of our top Chemistry students in Form 6 and 7 embraced the opportunity to use their problem-solving skills and test their knowledge in new real-world situations. Head of Chemistry, Jo Griffiths, said: “This is a highly challenging paper, and it really pushes pupils to explore their Chemistry understanding further. We look forward to hearing how our students got on later in the term.”

A team of Middle School pupils – William in Form 5, Fraser in Form 4 and Jessica and Elodie in Form 3 – travelled to the University of Derby to represent Oakham School at the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of the Bench Regional final competition. The team worked together on a quiz, completed a practical challenge, and watched a demonstration lecture given by Dr Samantha Drake, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry as part of the day. Head of Chemistry, Jo Griffiths, said: “The pupils were all excellent ambassadors for the School. They performed very well and I was impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication giving up their Leave-Out Saturday to compete!”

A group of 31 pupils in Forms 4 and 5 took part in the Science in Action trip to Warwick University for a day of fascinating lectures exploring a wide range of science applications beyond the pupils’ GCSE studies. The pupils gained lots of inspiration for possible future STEM careers, with the talk debunking the fakes of TikTok science videos proving particularly popular.

Lower 1 pupils had a roaring good time at the Natural History Museum Dinosnores sleepover. As well as enjoying the chance to spend the night among some world-famous exhibits, the children got stuck into a series of fascinating interactive science displays and workshops.

A team of talented Year 13 Chemists took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Race at the University of Cambridge, securing an impressive 34th place against 60 highly competitive teams. A great achievement in such a tough field!

The Sports Science Department visited the University of Cambridge Real Tennis Club to discover more about the historic sport of real tennis. As part of their A-level Physical Education studies on socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport, students were given an introduction to the sport’s history before receiving coaching from the club’s professional. The visit provided a practical insight into a game with a long-standing heritage.