Science Sparks

The Science Sparks project was established in 2003 at Durham High School for Girls to provide curricular extension in Science for gifted and talented pupils in local primary schools, mentored by Year 10 pupils from the High School. Each group comprises twenty Year 6 or Year 5 pupils and in total 180 primary school children have participated in the programme.

The project involves running ten weekly after-school classes at Durham High School in Science, which encourage pupils to explore their interest in Science whilst learning in an informal manner and developing scientific skills within a laboratory environment.

When Science Sparks was first established two programmes were delivered during the academic year, but increased funding has extended this to three ten week programmes. Each programme includes seven practical sessions with Dr Marsden and three sessions looking at the universe with Dr Edwards from Durham University. These practical sessions involve fun experiments such as making Fizz Bombs, Vitamin C Rockets and Balloon Powered Cars.

Contact details: Dr. Sharon Marsden, Mrs. Deborah Elliott, Durham High School for Girls, Farewell Hall, Durham DH13TB, Tel: 01913843226, Fax: 01913867381, headmistress@dhsfg.org.uk