Ash Hill: Acid test

A third Family Focus Evening this academic year at Ash Hill Academy saw Year 5 pupils experience a science lesson.

Head of Science Tom Hodson gave the children from feeder primary schools and their parents a snapshot of how the subject is taught at secondary school.

Pupils worked collaboratively with peers from other primaries to learn about acids and alkalis in a creative way.

Students had the opportunity to conduct experiments and understand the theory behind the chemicals used and how they reacted when both testing and mixing.

Tom organised the evening with Head of Performing Arts and Associate Assistant Principal Helen Weyman.

He said: “It was a pleasure to invite young students and their families from the local community to the science department at Ash Hill Academy to give them a snapshot of how we teach the science curriculum in a fun and engaging way.

We delivered an exciting and hands-on session focused on acids and alkalis and using indicators.

The activities then became creative as students made red cabbage indicator, rainbow artwork, paintings on indicator paper and wonderful examples of rainbow fizz.

There were plenty of “ooo” and “aaah” moments!”

Students used a variety of laboratory equipment such as Bunsen burners, glassware and pipettes, alongside everyday chemicals found in the kitchen or bathroom.

“It proved science can be done in a range of different places including at home if you tweak the equipment slightly,” Tom said.

The evening went well.

One Year 5 parent said: “It was lovely to do science activities with my son and see the brilliant lessons he will have at Ash Hill.

He is very keen to try more experiments at home and the session provided us with ideas and details of how to do this, for which we are very grateful.”

Alexis said: “I really enjoyed the evening as I got to do a science experiment in a real science setting with other students.

“The experiment was about mixing alkaline and acidic solutions to achieve different colour effects. I found this extremely fascinating.”

Fellow pupil Ernie thought the decisions to schools with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage.

The EEF will be accountable for the development, support and quality assurance of the work of each of these new Research Schools.

Professor Becky Francis, CEO of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: “It has never been more important to assist schools in engaging with evidence to inform their approaches to teaching and learning.

The appointment of these new Research Schools will be a valuable source of support for others in their respective regions, as they strive to meet the needs of their students.

These latest additions to the EEF’s Research Schools Network offer the opportunity to establish new connections, through which schools across England will be able to share expertise and access practical tools, with the view to raising the attainment of all of their pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.” evening fun as he had worked collaboratively work with others. “We mixed cabbage water with different acids and alkalis,” he said.

“The coolest part of the evening was being able to work in a real science environment.”

Tristan added: “I enjoyed the family focus evening as it was extremely good fun as I got to use acids and alkalis for an experiment.”