From forensic investigations and robotics to climate science and curiosity experiments, pupils across the school explored the power of curiosity during an inspiring programme of events, as we asked “what’s your question?”.
Pupils across Sheffield Girls’ embraced the spirit of discovery as the school celebrated British Science Week with two weeks of experiments, guest speakers and hands-on scientific exploration.
Inspired by this year’s theme, Curiosity, pupils from Reception to Sixth Form were encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas and explore how science helps us understand the world around us.
The programme of events also followed shortly after the school marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, reinforcing the school’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of female scientists, engineers and innovators.
A week of curiosity and investigation
Science Week began with a Junior School assembly launching a forensic crime scene investigation, challenging pupils to apply scientific thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover clues. Throughout the week, classes across the Junior School took part in their own crime scene activities, analysing evidence and working together to piece together what had happened.
Younger pupils also explored science through hands-on discovery. Infants took part in a Curiosity Carousel, carrying out colourful experiments including creating rainbow reactions with skittles and observing how flowers bloom.
Year 1 and Year 2 pupils also welcomed a parent visitor, veterinary surgeon Mr Williams, who spoke about caring for animals and the science behind veterinary medicine.
Space, climate and asking big questions
Curiosity also took pupils beyond the classroom.
Year 5, 6 and Year 7 pupils became engineers for the afternoon, creating their own boats to test on our makeshift ‘ocean’ in the Sports Hall.
Year 5 pupils explored what life is like in space by learning about the experiences of British astronaut Tim Peake, sparking discussion about the science behind space exploration.
Other classes explored big environmental questions. Year 4 pupils investigated the fascinating idea that whales may help regulate the climate, while older pupils examined the future impact of climate change and the scientific innovations that may help societies respond.
Learning from scientists and innovators
As part of the programme, Year 6 pupils also took part in a special talk from parent Dr Inês Henriques-Cadby, who shared how mathematics and coding can be used to solve real-world health challenges. The session helped pupils see how curiosity and problem-solving in science can lead to breakthroughs that improve people’s lives.
Year 5 pupils visited one of our sister schools Nottingham Girls’ High School GDST, where they combined outdoor learning with robotics activities, exploring how technology and environmental science intersect.
Senior School pupils observed science in action through memorable demonstrations, including watching one of our daring teachers walking across a tray of eggs to demonstrate the remarkable strength of eggshell structures.
Whole-school scientific challenges
Science Week extended beyond lessons through a number of whole-school challenges designed to spark curiosity across the community.
Pupils across Infant, Junior and Senior School took part in a poster competition, with entries judged by senior prefects. The school also joined the Big Plastic Count, collecting and analysing data about plastic use to better understand its environmental impact.
These activities encouraged pupils to think critically about everyday scientific questions and how small actions can contribute to wider change.
Celebrating women in science
The celebrations came just a week after Year 10 pupils attended a Women in STEM event at Sheffield Hallam University to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
During the event, pupils explored science’s relationship with women through a series of talks and workshops, discussing bias in scientific methods and hearing from emerging female researchers about their work.
Inspiring the next generation
At Sheffield Girls’, curiosity is at the heart of STEM learning. From the youngest pupils exploring the natural world in Reception to Sixth Form students tackling complex A Level concepts in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, girls are encouraged to question, experiment and think boldly.
The results are clear. Uptake in STEM subjects at A Level continues to defy national trends, and large numbers of pupils go on to study STEM-related degrees at university.
Among the Class of 2024, 47 students progressed to STEM degrees, including Medicine, Engineering and Computer Science.
Through events such as British Science Week and the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Sheffield Girls’ continues to nurture inquisitive minds, ensuring every pupil feels confident to explore the possibilities science offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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British Science Week is a national celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths organised by the British Science Association. Schools, universities and organisations across the United Kingdom take part in activities designed to inspire curiosity and encourage young people to explore scientific ideas through experiments, talks and hands-on learning.
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Encouraging girls to study science helps address the gender imbalance in many STEM careers. All-girls schools create an environment where pupils feel confident exploring subjects such as Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, helping more young women progress into scientific careers and leadership roles.
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At Sheffield Girls’, STEM learning begins in the earliest years and continues through to Sixth Form. Pupils benefit from hands-on experiments, visiting speakers, enrichment activities such as British Science Week, and strong teaching in A Level Physics, Chemistry and Biology. The school consistently sees high uptake of STEM subjects and many pupils progress to STEM-related degrees.
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Pupils take part in a wide range of STEM opportunities including science competitions, robotics activities, environmental research projects, visiting speakers, and trips to universities and industry events. These experiences help pupils develop curiosity, confidence and problem-solving skills while exploring potential future careers in science and technology.
