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National Space Academy masterclass launch! 18/03/2026

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National Space Academy masterclass launch! 18/03/2026

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🚀 Mission: March in full swing at Newman Science! 🌌

We’ve had a fantastic morning hosting the National Space Academy for our KS4 and KS5 masterclasses — and what a session it was!

🛰 KS4 Asteroids Masterclass
Students got hands-on with rocket launches powered by hydrogen and oxygen — chemistry and physics in action! They also explored how we can protect Earth from asteroid collisions, learning about the real-life DART mission.

🌠 KS5 Astronomy & Spectroscopy
Our A Level physicists — along with Year 11 students looking ahead to Newman Sixth Form — took a deep dive into the expanding Universe. Students built their own working telescopes using lenses and modelled cosmic expansion with their own balloon universe.

✨ A brilliant morning of curiosity, challenge and real-world science — inspiring the next generation of physicists!

#MissionMarch #SpaceScience #FuturePhysicists #STEM #NewmanScience

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Glasgow Science Museum march 2026 11/03/2026

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Glasgow Science Museum march 2026 11/03/2026

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A fantastic day at Glasgow Science Centre! 🚀

Our Year 8 pupils had a brilliant trip to the Glasgow Science Centre, enjoying a fun-filled day exploring both science and geography in action.

Students were a credit to the school — well-behaved, curious and fully engaged throughout the day. They explored the interactive exhibits, visited the planetarium to observe the night sky and learn about our place in the Milky Way, and experienced an incredible IMAX film showing the impact of retreating glaciers and climate change.

On the coach journey, pupils also observed the urban landscape of Glasgow’s docklands, linking perfectly with their geography learning about urban development and land use.

A huge well done to all of our Year 8 pupils for representing the school so positively.

Everyone is home safe and sound after a fantastic day of discovery! 🌍✨

#MissionMarch #STEM #SchoolTrips #ScienceInAction

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🚀 Mission: March – Space Masterclasses Launch!

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🚀 Mission: March – Space Masterclasses Launch!

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🚀 Mission: March – Space Masterclasses Launch!

March is officially our month of space, and we’re thrilled to be hosting a series of specialist masterclasses with the National Space Academy.

🌌 KS5: Astronomy & Spectroscopy

Our A Level Physicists — along with Year 11 budding physicists — are invited to a deep-dive masterclass exploring multiwavelength astronomy.

Students will learn how telescopes like JWST and Hubble help us understand the Universe, and how spectroscopy reveals the composition of stars and galaxies.

Even better, we’ll be using real discharge tubes to observe emission spectra firsthand — proper hands-on physics in action.

🛰 KS4: Asteroids – Defending the Planet

Selected Year 9 and Year 10 physicists will take part in a masterclass focused on the DART mission, which successfully tested deflecting an asteroid’s moon using an impactor to change its orbit.

This is real-life planetary defence — physics that could one day save Earth.

The session explores:

Forces

Energy

Momentum

A touch of rocketry

Space science meets GCSE physics.

🌙 KS3: Artemis – Returning to the Moon

Our KS3 students have been challenged to apply for a place on the Artemis Masterclass.

Artemis is NASA’s mission to return humans to the Moon. The session explores:

Rocket propulsion

Human survival in space

The future of lunar exploration

We’re hoping to inspire the next generation of physicists — because today’s curious KS3 students could be tomorrow’s mission engineers.

✨ Space. Physics. Exploration.
Mission: March is officially underway.

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Design a Moon Base – Half Term Challenge 05/02/2026

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Design a Moon Base – Half Term Challenge 05/02/2026

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WHY: To celebrate the progress of NASA’s Artemis programme, and humanity’s return to the Moon, the Science Department is launching a whole-school half-term challenge.

Artemis marks a landmark moment in space exploration, with astronauts preparing to orbit and land on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. This challenge invites students to engage with real, current science and think like the scientists and engineers shaping our future.

WHAT: Students are challenged to Design a Moon Base capable of supporting astronauts to live and work safely on the Moon. Designs should consider living spaces, power, life support, protection from the Moon’s environment and areas for scientific research, a 3D model or a digital design. Creativity and scientific thinking are encouraged.

HOW: https://padlet.com/kathrynnichol/ks3-design-a-moon-base-aayrrfpd6gw9u1mq Find all the support materials, news updates and inspiration you need here.

WHEN: Deadline: Friday 28th February. Physical entries to ELL/A4. Digital entries and photographs can be uploaded to the Student Gallery on the Padlet.

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Y9 Guided Choices Evening – Science 03/02/2026

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Y9 Guided Choices Evening – Science 03/02/2026

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Y9 Guided Choices Evening – Science

It was great to meet so many Y9 pupils and families at Guided Choices Evening. Our science team had four tables set up showcasing textbooks, revision guides, pupil work, and current enrichment opportunities, including the Moon Base competition, STEM pathways, and Astronomy Club.

We had lots of positive conversations about GCSE science pathways and how these support future ambitions, including routes into A-levels and STEM careers such as medicine and engineering. Thank you to everyone who stopped by — we loved sharing what science looks like at the next stage.

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Astronomy Club got off to a fantastic start this week! 29/01/2026

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Astronomy Club got off to a fantastic start this week! 29/01/2026

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We welcomed a small but enthusiastic group of pupils from across Y7–9 for our first session, led by our Y12 A-level Physics students. The focus was Our Place in the Universe, exploring the scale of the solar system if Earth were the size of a tennis ball. Brilliant participation, curious questions, and some very keen budding astronomers — the next generation of scientists is well on its way! 🌌✨

Next week, things get hands-on as we break out the plasticine to explore the phases of the Moon!

KS3 pupils will be modelling the Moon–Earth–Sun system and investigating why the Moon appears to change shape across the month.

Thursdays - 3.05-3.30 pm in the Library!

Mrs K Nichol

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🔴 Mars Day 2026 - Tuesday 3rd March 2026

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🔴 Mars Day 2026 - Tuesday 3rd March 2026

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We’ll be taking part in Mars Day 2026, a national STEM event connecting students with real space scientists and engineers. The day will explore Mars missions, space technology and future careers in STEM through live talks, interactive sessions and classroom activities.

A great opportunity for students to see how science and engineering link to real-world exploration beyond Earth. 🌌🔬

Tuesday 3rd March 2026

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Places filled in record time! 🎉

A massive 90 pupils are heading off to Glasgow Science Centre to experience science in action.

Pupils will explore three floors of hands-on STEM fun, with interactive exhibits, intriguing illusions, mind-bending puzzles and physical challenges. The day is packed with inspiring activities including spectacular science shows, planetarium experiences, practical workshops and immersive IMAX 3D films.

An unforgettable trip bringing STEM to life — we can’t wait! 🔬✨

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Y9 and 10 STEM opportunity

Opportunity for a virtual course over half term to explore STEM careers, 20 hours to achieve the Bronze Industrial Cadet Award which you can use as evidence of this experience to support future applications and career journeys. Find out more from form tutors and Science staff - Scan the QR code on the posters attached, copies found in form folders or on lab doors. KAN

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Astronomy Club starts this Thursday after school, 3.05–3.30pm in the Library.

It’s open to all KS3 pupils and will be run by our Y12 A-level Physics students for 6 weeks only!

If you’re interested in space, planets, or the universe, come along and give it a try!

More information can be found on the posters in form folders, science corridor and in the library.

Limited spaces - Please see Mrs Jones or the Pupil Librarians to get your name on the sign-up sheet. Mrs Nichol

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Can you spot the bottles of fake blood! 

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Year 7 took part in Science SALAD Day, exploring the ethics of blood, organ and stem cell donation through active learning and discussion.

Students thought carefully about the science, the choices involved, and the impact donation can have on others — leading to some thoughtful and mature conversations.

📸 Photos from the day below

🔗 Learn more: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 5: Cork Week 10/12/2025

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 5: Cork Week 10/12/2025

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Our final session had the loveliest atmosphere — festive tunes playing while corks were transformed into angels and festive VW vans, complete with Christmas trees on the roof and twinkly lights for that perfect bringing-home-the-tree feel.

To finish, our creative crafters were treated to a mini festive block-craft gift to take home, as a small thank you for making Christmas Crafty Club 2025 the best yet.

A huge thank you to all the staff who dropped by to get crafty, and especially to Mrs Dent, Mrs Miller and Miss Little for their unwavering commitment to glitter and glue guns — we truly couldn’t do it without you.

Until next year, little elves! 🎄✨

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 4 - Card week 03/12/2025

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 4 - Card week 03/12/2025

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Christmas Crafty Club – Week 4 - Card week

This week brought all the joy of decorating the Christmas trees — many hands made light work as we filled them with red baubles and shared a tin of festive chocolates along the way.

Our card-making session was just as lively, with glitter everywhere and creativity in full flow.

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Science Christmas Crafty Club - Week 3: Twine week 26/11/2025

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Science Christmas Crafty Club - Week 3: Twine week 26/11/2025

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This week had a peaceful festive buzz as pupils turned twine and wooden dowels into beautiful Christmas tree decorations. Among the calm creativity, there was plenty of sparkle — from classic reds, golds and greens to shimmering silver bows and pastel sequins catching the light.

Next week we step into the real magic of the season: decorating the Christmas tree and our ever-popular Christmas Card Week — always a highlight, always a little glittery.

Everyone is warmly welcome to join us as we keep creating, shining, and celebrating together. ✨🌟

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✨Science Christmas Crafty Club — Week 2: Wood Week! ✨19/11/2025

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✨Science Christmas Crafty Club — Week 2: Wood Week! ✨19/11/2025

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Our team absolutely smashed it this week. Using slices of bark, everyone got stuck into making their own hanging decorations — paint-stamped wreaths, Christmas trees, and even a few cheeky snowmen slipped in there.

The creativity was flowing, the vibes were immaculate, and yes… we remembered the essential tub of sweets 🍬 (tradition is tradition).

Huge well done to everyone who came along and embraced the festive chaos. Roll on twine week! 🎄💚

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🎉 Amazing News! 🎉
Our community has come together in the most generous way—nearly 90 shoeboxes have been collected for Operation Christmas Child! These boxes of hope are now on their way for the first part of their journey, carrying not only gifts but also the message of faith from our Catholic school community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed—your kindness will bring joy and hope to children around the world this Christmas. 🌍✨

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 1: Wool Week 🧶🌿12/11/2025

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Science Christmas Crafty Club – Week 1: Wool Week 🧶🌿12/11/2025

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The first Christmas Crafty Club of the season kicked off with Wool Week, and creativity was in full flow! Students designed and made mini festive wreaths using recycled cardboard and leftover wool, transforming everyday materials into something beautiful and sustainable.

Our crafters followed a step-by-step SOP — applying key scientific and design principles like precision, process, and problem-solving — while testing those fine motor skills to the max! It was fantastic to see such thoughtful use of materials and discussion around recycling, sustainability, and reusing resources in a fun, festive context.

With Christmas tunes, teamwork, and plenty of sparkle, it was the perfect way to combine science, sustainability, and creativity. ✨
Next week it’s Wood Week — time for paint, glitter, and another eco-inspired challenge! All welcome! 🎄

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Sixth Form Open Evening – Science Showcase 11/11/2025

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Sixth Form Open Evening – Science Showcase 11/11/2025

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Last night our Science team were thrilled to meet so many enthusiastic families and future Sixth Formers! From A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics to our popular Applied Science courses, it was fantastic to see such curiosity and excitement for what’s ahead. 🌟
You can find full course details on our school website and the Newman Science Hub — and check out some of the highlights from the evening below! 🔬✨

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🕯️ Feast Day of St Albert the Great – 15 November

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🕯️ Feast Day of St Albert the Great – 15 November

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This week we celebrated the patron saint of scientists with a little faith-meets-reason experiment — the floating candle! 🔥💧

When the candle burns, it uses oxygen inside the beaker. Once the flame goes out, the air cools and the pressure drops — so the water is pushed up into the beaker by the higher air pressure outside. A simple reaction, but a beautiful reminder of how observation and curiosity lead to understanding.

St Albert believed that faith and science work together to reveal the world’s truth — every discovery begins with wonder. 🌍✨

#FaithAndReason #NewmanScience #StAlbertTheGreat

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💼 Newman Careers Fair 2025 – Looking to the Future! 💼

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💼 Newman Careers Fair 2025 – Looking to the Future! 💼

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This week our school hall was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed a fantastic range of local employers, universities, and training providers for our annual Careers Fair — a brilliant day of inspiration and opportunity! 🌟

Our students had the chance to chat with representatives from lots of local enterprises some perfect examples of STEM next steps:
⚙️ Sellafield Ltd
🎓 University of Cumbria (Carlisle Campus)
💡 System People

💙 NHS Careers
🏫 Newman Sixth Form — showcasing the exciting A Level and Applied Science routes available right here at Newman!
🌊 DNV
🔥 British Gas
📸 Carlos Raine Photography — who also captured a stunning photo of our outstanding Science Technicians, Mrs Dent and Mrs Miller!

The day was packed with meaningful conversations about STEM careers, apprenticeships, and future pathways — helping our young scientists see the amazing opportunities that lie ahead.

A huge thank you to all who joined us and supported our pupils’ journey toward their future careers. The future of science at Newman is shining bright! 🔬🚀

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🧬 SALAD Day – Genetics Focus with Year 8 🧬September 2025

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🧬 SALAD Day – Genetics Focus with Year 8 🧬September 2025

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Our latest SALAD (Speaking and Listening Activities Day) session took Year 8 deep into the fascinating world of Genetics.

Students explored:
🌳 Family trees to trace how genetic disorders can be inherited.
🥝 DNA extraction from kiwi fruit — bringing molecular biology to life in the lab.
🧩 Allele combinations through a fun Marshin Breeding Programme — to determine traits and building their very own marshmallow “Marshin Babies.”

This hands-on mix of science, creativity, and literacy helped students understand how genetics shapes our characteristics, and how chance plays such a big role.

Lots of laughter, lots of learning — and plenty of sticky marshmallows! 🍡✨

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🌟 Exciting News from Newman Science! 🌟 September 2025

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🌟 Exciting News from Newman Science! 🌟 September 2025

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We are absolutely delighted to share that our amazing Science Technician Team has been nominated for a national award in recognition of their hard work, expertise and dedication. 💫

From preparing and maintaining complex equipment to ensuring our practical lessons run smoothly and safely, their behind-the-scenes brilliance makes an enormous difference every single day.

This nomination is a wonderful celebration of their commitment to supporting staff and pupils alike – keeping curiosity alive and science practicals running like clockwork! 🧪🔬✨

Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition! 👏👏👏

#TeamNewman #ScienceSuccess #BehindTheScenesHeroes

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🎉 GCSE Science Results 2025 🎉August 2025

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🎉 GCSE Science Results 2025 🎉August 2025

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We are so proud of our Year 11 scientists! After months of dedication, revision, and resilience, their hard work has paid off with fantastic results. 🌟

Highlights include:
🏆 9 pupils achieving a Grade 9 in Science
📚 33 pupils continuing their science journey with us at Newman Sixth Form, studying AQA A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or OCR Applied Science
📈 All subjects improving on last year, with a 72% pass rate (grade 4+) in Combined Science — well above the national average of 67%

Results Day was filled with smiles all around as students celebrated their achievements and looked forward to exciting next steps — whether that’s Sixth Form, college, or apprenticeships.

A huge congratulations to every single one of our students — you’ve made the whole Science Department proud! 🔬✨

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🎉 A-Level Results Success! 🎉 August 2025

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🎉 A-Level Results Success! 🎉 August 2025

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🎉 A-Level Results Success! 🎉

We are absolutely delighted to share that every single one of our Science students has secured a place at their first-choice university or college! 🌟 Their dedication, resilience, and hard work have truly paid off.

This year’s cohort are heading off to exciting futures in Forensic Science, Midwifery, Radiography, Engineering, and more. 👩‍🔬👨‍⚕️⚙️

Before leaving, our students kindly put together a brilliant video showcasing what it’s like to study Science here at Newman Sixth Form — a wonderful legacy for those following in their footsteps. 🎥✨

A huge well done from all of us in the Science Department — we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you achieve next! 🌍👏

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📸 Inspiring Visit to the Medical Imaging School! 🩻☕️July 2025

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📸 Inspiring Visit to the Medical Imaging School! 🩻☕️July 2025

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Our 6th form students had a fantastic morning exploring the world of radiography at the university’s Medical Imaging School.

They x-rayed an apple and an orange 🍎🍊, modelled lead-lined vests, and even got up close with Ken the Skeleton, identifying bones and learning about human anatomy in a hands-on session.

Students also enjoyed a Costa Coffee on campus and got a taste of university life ☕️🎓. It was incredibly insightful to hear about the growing demand for radiographers, the equipment used, and the qualifications needed to enter this exciting career path.

Thank you to the amazing team for such an engaging and eye-opening experience — one of last year’s attendees is now enrolled on the course!

#CareersInHealthcare #STEMCareers #Radiography #6thForm #GatsbyBenchmarks #FutureRadiographers

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🏗️ STEM Tower Challenge – Y8 Rewards Day 🏗️ July 2025

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🏗️ STEM Tower Challenge – Y8 Rewards Day 🏗️ July 2025

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Our Year 8 scientists took on the ultimate engineering challenge: build the tallest tower using just craft straws and loom bands!

First, everyone mastered the basics — a single pyramid made from 6 straws. Then came the teamwork:
🔺 Four small pyramids = one large pyramid

🔺 Four large pyramids = one grande pyramid
🔺 Four grande pyramids = one giant, lab-topping structure!

It took a blend of collaboration, engineering skills, and a touch of luck to get the impressive tower standing tall.

Of course, the best bit? Dismantling! Everyone dived in to squash the straws flat for recycling ♻️ — filling the bin and filling the room with laughter.

Smiles all around, and a great reminder of the power of teamwork in STEM! 🌟

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🔬 Y5 Science Open Evening Fun! 🔍July 2025

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🔬 Y5 Science Open Evening Fun! 🔍July 2025

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Our brilliant Year 5 visitors became detectives for the evening, investigating evidence to solve the mystery of “Who stole Mr Bones’ watch?” 🕵️‍♂️🕵️‍♀️ The suspected science teachers were kept under close observation, and over 93 talented young investigators cracked the case and identified the culprit!

Well done to everyone who took part — you showed fantastic scientific skills and proved that science is fun! 👏

Mrs K Nichol (Head of Science)

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🌟 STEM Superstars! 🌟We had an incredible day with our brilliant group of Year 8 pupils at the North Lancashire & Cumbria Science & Technology Challenge Day! From exploring robotics to getting hands-on with forensic investigations and health-related physiological measurements, the students threw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm and skill.

They even had far too much fun using the e-fit technology to create wanted posters of yours truly — I’m still recovering from seeing my face on the big screen! 😂

We’re absolutely delighted to share that they came away as winners of the day, bringing home the trophy and making us all so proud! 🏆👏

A huge well done to everyone involved — your hard work, teamwork, and creativity truly shone through. Here are a few photos capturing the excitement! 📸 Mrs K Nichol (Head of Science)

#STEM #ScienceChallenge #Proud #InspiringYoungMinds

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Year 10 Science Options Week      July 2025

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Year 10 Science Options Week      July 2025

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This week our Year 10 students have been exploring the exciting futures that science can offer. As part of our Science Options Week, pupils took part in:

Taster lessons in A-Level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Applied Science.

IT sessions researching science careers, qualifications, salaries and apprenticeship opportunities.

A careers workshop, encouraging students to dream big about their futures in science, with videos from current and former Newman students sharing their experiences.

The week was designed to help students feel confident and informed ahead of their post-16 choices, linking learning in science to real career pathways.

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🔬 STEM Session 2: Hands-On Science Fun with Maddie from ISIS Research Facility! ⚡May 2025

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🔬 STEM Session 2: Hands-On Science Fun with Maddie from ISIS Research Facility! ⚡May 2025

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We had another amazing STEM outreach session today with our fantastic ex-pupil Maddie Wildridge, currently on placement at the ISIS Neutron and Muon research facility at STFC.

This time, our Year 8 pupils got stuck into some hands-on practical science—exploring STEM careers while getting their hands messy and minds buzzing!

🧲 They built simple motors using just batteries and magnets
🌊 Discovered the weird and wonderful properties of Oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid (real messy fun!)
🌞 And experimented with UV radiation detectors to explore the invisible world around us

Huge thanks to Maddie for another inspiring and interactive session! 📸 Check out some of the highlights below—we’re already looking forward to the next one!

#STEMOutreach #FutureScientists #HandsOnScience #ISISFacility #Year8Science #WomenInSTEM #NeutronScience