STEM and Sustainability Week sparked curiosity and celebrated scientific discovery and innovation with an action-packed week full of inspiring events.
The week featured exciting Inter-House competitions across all year groups in Biology, Chemistry, Design Engineering, and Physics, fostering friendly rivalry while sparking curiosity. Challenges ranged from solving a theft using forensic biology all the way through to generating the highest voltage using a wind-turbine.
I had an amazing time participating in the House competition during STEM Week. I was ecstatic on hearing of our victory due to the fierce competition we faced from other houses.
Charlie, Year 11
Another highlight of the week was the STEM Fair, where Charterhouse pupils showcased a wide array of scientific principles to both internal and external visitors, with demonstrations ranging from robotics to dissections.
Last week, I had the privilege of helping to coordinate and run the Biology sector of our STEM Fair. From dissecting frogs and rats at the dissection stall, to exploring bacteria and various plants under the microscope, we provided an equally interactive and educational experience for everyone involved.
Ayah, Year 12
Mr David Dickinson, Head of Science, also delivered captivating talks on the Science of Fireworks to pupils from Windlesham House, Edgeborough, and Amesbury prep schools, further exploring both the physics and chemistry of how a firework operates.
A monitor-led PSHE session for Year 9 pupils focused on setting sustainability targets, encouraging future leaders to think critically about environmental impacts.
Science Made Simple also presented an inspiring talk titled The X-tra Factor, highlighting the influential role of women in the STEM fields. This was delivered to our Year 9 pupils as well as primary school pupils from the local community.
Each day began with awe-inspiring scientific demonstrations in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These varied from using a chemical reaction to create fireflies, exploring energy released by Jelly Baby sweets and witnessing the heating effects of electricity.
The mere mention of Science and Maths is normally enough to have me fleeing in the opposite direction – so imagine my surprise and delight with the STEM and Sustainability Week last week. Kicked off with a thought-provoking Chapel talk from Lyra (Year 13) which got me scientifically questioning my morning skincare routine, each day was inspired by an intriguing, funny or explosive online experiment, and everything topped off with a wonderful, hands-on STEM Fair which was totally engaging.
The Revd Clive Case, Senior Chaplain
I was honoured to participate in the first Inter-House Physics competition and ran a booth doing demonstrations with balloons in the STEM Fair. The aim of the competition was to make a marble run which lasts for one minute using tape and cardboard only. Whilst it was challenging, I learned lots of valuable skills such as teamwork and communication.
Ian, Year 13
The Year 9 Biology Challenge pitted teams from each House against one another in a race to find the villain who had stolen two valuable vases from the Head’s office. Pupils worked as forensic pathologists, carrying out DNA analysis, fibre analysis, soil and urine testing and blood typing to find the dastardly thief (who had carelessly left several clues at the crime scene). The winning team from Weekites solved the case first and won the inaugural Biology trophy.
Mrs Pippa Nelson, Teacher of Biology
STEM and Sustainability week was celebrated in School on a grand scale this year. A particular highlight in the Inter-House Biology competition was the Crime Scene Investigation – hunting the ‘thief’ of two extremely valuable and significantly historic Charterhouse Tankards.
Mrs Justine Hunnisett, Lead Science Technician
