Pupils at The Royal High School Bath enjoyed a packed programme of experiments, challenges and guest speakers as part of a vibrant celebration of British Science Week.
The week-long programme at the school saw girls from across the prep and senior schools explore science through creative challenges, real-world investigations and opportunities to meet experts working at the forefront of research.
At the start of the week, senior school pupils took part in an engineering design challenge, working in teams to design, test and refine their own paper aircraft.
The activity combined creativity with physics as students experimented with different designs before competing to see whose aircraft could travel the furthest and fastest. From sleek dart-style planes to wide-wing gliders, the competition highlighted the many ways scientific thinking and imagination can work together.
Students also became forensic scientists during a two-day investigation in which they were tasked with solving the mystery of a poisoned teacher.
Using real scientific methods, pupils examined evidence, analysed samples and evaluated possible suspects, combining logic, teamwork and careful observation to piece together the clues and solve the case.
Year 13 chemistry students had the opportunity to experience university-level science during a visit to the labs at University of Bath.
Working with advanced equipment, they synthesised and analysed their own samples of aspirin, giving them a taste of life as undergraduate chemists and a deeper insight into how laboratory research is carried out.
The school also welcomed researchers from Team Bath Heart, who are working to develop the world’s first fully functional mechanical heart for transplant patients.
Their talk introduced students to the exciting fields of biomechanics and medical engineering, while highlighting the potential life-saving impact of future technologies.
The week concluded with a house science quiz testing pupils’ scientific knowledge and quick thinking, while finalists from the school also represented Royal High Bath in the GDST-wide STEM Spelling Bee.
Science Week celebrations also extended to the prep school, where pupils were treated to an energetic assembly filled with dramatic demonstrations designed to bring science vividly to life.
Later in the week, five Sixth Form students from Years 12 and 13 visited the prep school to share their own experiences of studying science and the careers it could lead to.
They also led hands-on microscopy sessions, helping younger pupils explore the microscopic world and inspiring them to look more closely at the science around them.
Sinead Duignan, head of science and biology at The Royal High School Bath, said, “A huge thank-you goes to all staff, students and visiting speakers who helped make Science Week such an inspiring celebration. The excitement and engagement throughout the week truly showcased the strength of scientific curiosity at RHB.”
