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Students and staff had presented the work previously at the Dorset County Show, a Family Festival of Science at THS, the Big Bang Fair SW at the University of Exeter, LDA’s conference at the University of Cambridge, the Association for Science Education and at The Royal Society. Their research aimed to raise awareness of the signs of Lyme disease infection following a tick bite. Eleanor Wilberforce, one of the students who gave a presentation at Cambridge said “Learning and research-ing about Lyme disease was one thing, but actually be-ing present at a conference where, to a lot of the audi-ence, they had real connections to it, was an experience

unlike any other. Everything we had been reading about on a computer screen or in a book was actually put into context and that was something really valuable”.

Funding from The Royal Society, The Ernest Cook Trust and the University of Exeter enabled this ‘real science’ research project. Donations from the celebration event were split between LDA and supporting continuation work to process remaining ticks to be carried out by fu-ture Year 12 biologists. Stella Huyshe-Shires has been-very encouraging “So to The Thomas Hardye School - thank you. For inspiring everyone here and above all for being truly engaged in real science that extends our col-lective knowledge.”

Mr Lewis, lead teacher for the project commented “This pro-ject has opened students’ eyes to laboratory research; they have taken ownership of the results, but also viewed it as a fun engaging environ-ment, something very different from a typical Science lesson. We know this encourages them to view Science as an area they might work in in the future”. Many stu-dents involved in the project have received offers from top universities for genetics, biosciences, biomedical science and engineering, medicine, veterinary science and environmental science courses. Dr Rowe, Subject Coordinator for Biology and co-supervisor, observed “In addition to the scientific skills and understanding that students have developed, they worked with a wide vari-ety of scientists, medical professionals, patients, mem-bers of the public and fellow students. Their work has raised awareness about Lyme disease and its effects. I know they have found the human side of the Lyme dis-ease story as compelling as the scientific detail”.

Celebrating Two Years’ Research on ‘Lyme Disease and Ticks in Dorset’ Sixth Form students presented posters about their work on tick-borne diseases ‘Investigating the epidemiology of Borrelia spirochaetes in Dorset’ at a scientific conference in the school theatre in May. The event celebrated two years’ research carried out in conjunction with Dr Nicky King and scientists at the University of Exeter under the Royal Society Partnership Grants scheme. Following a keynote talk ‘Lyme Disease in the UK’ from Dr Tim Brooks and Dr Amanda Semper from the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory at Public Health England, Stella Huyshe-Shires, Chair of Lyme Disease Action (LDA) responded by reflecting on students’ progress ‘Celebrating the con-nection with Thomas Hardye School’.

The conference was attended by members of the com-munity, many of whom had helped out by collecting ticks; some also had a professional interest e.g. farmers, vets, doctors, environmental scientists. Distinguished guests from afar joined the celebration including Professor James Hough FRS, Chair of the Royal Society Partner-ship Grants Committee, Dr David Studholme from Uni-versity of Exeter, Professor Becky Parker, Steve Green-wood and Mike Grocott from Institute for Research in Schools. Students genet-ically profiled ticks collected from across Dorset to dis-cover whether they contained bacteria which causes Lyme disease and other pathogens. More than fifty stu-dents attended a weekly after-school club and learned university-level techniques enabling them to process more than 200 ticks. They succeeded in finding the DNA which causes Lyme disease present in one tick from Weymouth. The project is due for inclusion in Sir John Holman’s report for Gatsby on ‘Good Practical Science’.

Issue 14 July 2017

This newsletter is published to communicate and celebrate the many Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics activities and achievements at The Thomas Hardye School.

S.T.E.M@ths

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Professor Genoveva Esteban (Bournemouth University), John Davy-Bowker (Freshwater Biological Associa-tion) and Dr Rowe provided expert tui-tion at the East Stoke River Laboratory in May in a Discovering Freshwater Ecology Workshop. Year 9 triple sci-ence students carried out kick sampling in the species-rich clean waters of the River Frome and saw a rare bullhead fish; back in the lab, they used mi-croscopes and taxonomic keys to identify a wide range

of freshwater groups and to understand their roles as indica-tor species. A sam-ple from a stagnant ditch nearby yielded many fewer species including infamous rat-tail maggots and

bloodworms. The catch of the day included other de-lights - water scorpion, saucer bugs and emerging may-flies. Mr Davy-Bowker described his scientific work with the FBA’s reference collections and Prof. Esteban pre-sented CREST Discovery Award certificates to round off a hot, stimulat-ing day. Students com-mented “I liked the fact that we used specimens we caught ourselves instead of ones provided”, “Highly enjoyable; would definitely recommend this trip to other keen students who share a love of science”, “I liked to learn about animals adapted to each environment”.

In celebration of International Darwin Day 2017, Sixth Form biologists were treated to two workshops in February on evolutionary topics. Professor Alan Gray from the Centre

for Ecology and Hydrology presented ‘Darwin's legacy - selection, modern agriculture and the GM crops de-bate’ to Year 12 whilst Professor John Bryant from the

University of Exeter pre-sented ‘Genes and Embryos’ to Year 13 in their lessons.

Sarah Allerton, a third year Applied Geography student from Bournemouth University, visited top set Year 9 stu-dents for her Independent Research Project. Two clas-ses received a lecture on ‘Pangolins’, about their distri-bution and the challenges of conserving the 8 species of these extraordinary animals which are exploited by hu-mans; the other two groups were given a leaflet to read containing the same information. In a half hour lesson, Sarah aimed to assess which method of transferring infor-mation to the students was more effective. By giving them a ‘before’ and ‘after’ question-naire she concluded that infor-mation gained from the talk tended to be retained better.

Everything is Connected Neville Copperthwaite, Nicky Mitchard and Rowena Taylor from The Blue Marine Foundation visit-ed THS in the Spring term to raise awareness of the diverse protect-ed marine habitat of Lyme Bay and the interaction between hu-man and marine life on a biologi-cal level. They presented 'A Day in the Life of Lyme Bay Re-serve' to Year 9 students in Science and Year 10 Geog-raphers, linking the many different aspects of the reserve such as the fishermen's role, habitats, ecosystems and life-cycles. Students volunteered to take part in a hands-on demonstration of fishing nets and net sizes, and to encounter a live lobster before it was released back into the sea. Half the students

had previously been unaware that human activities including fishing are permitted in ‘marine protected areas’ provided they

are managed to ensure sustainability. A poster competi-tion for Year 9 home-work on ‘Protecting the marine habitat - reasons, problems and solutions’ was won by Elizabeth Fox with Harry McDougal runner-up, Ben Powles third and Joe Lyndley commended. Another marine topic ‘Plastic Pollution’ was presented

by Dr Ceri Lewis from the Uni-versity of Exeter to the whole of Year 10 in February, high-lighting the importance of her research on microplastics and their detrimental impact on the survival and reproduction of marine invertebrates.

Year 12 BTEC Applied Science students were accompa-nied by Miss Lewis and Mrs Campbell on a visit to Wey-mouth’s Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aqua-culture Science (Cefas) in March. After an introductory talk from Fiona Vogt, the THS party toured the laboratories where work on aquaculture, Biology. fish stocks, fish diseases and envi-ronmental impact is carried out by world-renowned scientists.

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A Sixth Fossil Festival Secondary Schools’

Science Day in April…………….

Forty professional scientists visited THS to present a record 16 Earth and Coastal Science exhibits as a cur-tain-raiser to the annual Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. Groups of students from Years 9 and 10 and from Beaminster and Swanage Schools enjoyed a selection of hands-on activities in their hour-long lessons:

Dinosaur Crime Scene Investigation; Humans-Elephants interaction in Kent 400,000 years ago; What is a Fossil? How are they formed? Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes; Sharks - learning from teeth and fossil specimens ; Extinction Kerplunk - how climate change affects oceans. (Six stands provided by London’s Natural History Museum).

Ammonites - tools of time as they evolved over millions of years. (Geologist Richard Edmonds).

Investigating the Anthropocene- what will humans leave in the future geological record, and can we influence it? (Dorset Litter Free Coast and Sea).

Coastal Creationary - modelling landforms with LEGO®. (Jurassic Coast Trust).

Dorset’s Modern Day Dinosaurs - resident reptiles on local heathlands. (Urban Heaths Partnership).

Skull Identification - adaptations and lifestyles of various animals. (Aspire Bournemouth University).

Solar Energy - calculating the angle of maximum efficiency for a solar panel. (Communities Living Sustainably in Dorset).

Fossilization - a game to attempt to become a fos-sil! (PALASS National Museum of Wales).

How the Romans used science and technology in Dorset to control local people. (South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership).

Dealing with a Dinosaur Revival using Geograph-ical Information Systems. (Ordnance Survey).

Seismic Waves - how they travel. Jump and make your own earthquake. (British Geological Survey).

Dr Rowe and Michael Norman from THS Jurassic Explorers Club also showcased research on croc-odilian fossils.

Dr Anjana Ford from Jurassic Coast Trust acted as announcer and @FossilFestival ‘tweeter’, helping sessions to run smoothly. In June, Year 9 students enjoyed an outing to London’s Natural His-tory and Science Museums experiencing brand new im-mersive exhibits in the new Wonderlab: Statoil Gallery.

…….. and an Eighth Research Roadshow from the University of Southampton in May

From its origins as ‘Oceans on Wheels’ and ‘Spectra’, the ‘Bringing Research to Life’ roadshow, courtesy of Southampton’s brightest and best scientists and engi-neers, has developed year on year and never failed to delight the students and staff who have attended. THS is fortunate to be the only school that hosts this spectacu-lar event and welcomes partner schools to visit and share the latest selection of cutting edge science stands.

New roadshow recruit Emma Flynn timed the 8 minute interactive science and environmental challenges, ensur-ing c500 Year 9 and 10 students from THS and All Saints discovered more about:

Aerodynamics of transport (– student-built boat, car or plane from LEGO® for testing in a virtual wind tunnel); Junction Jam – Interactive traffic simulation; beat the queues and get the cars past the traffic lights faster than eve-

ryone else! (Two stands provided by Next Generational Computer Modelling team, led by Craig Rafter).

Sound waves and good vibrations aplenty! (Institute of Sound and Vibra-tion, Steve Dorney).

100,000 Genomes – an NHS ground-breaking project test-ing patients with rare diseases and sequencing their genomes to better understand causes of ill health and improve treatment. (University Hos-pital, Dale Seviar, Niamh White).

Lightwave – the scientific funda-mentals of light and optics, as har-nessed by modern telecommunications systems which provide the data infra-structure for the 21st century world. (Optoelectronics, led by Jake Prentice.)

The HYPER (Hybrid Propellant Experimental Rocket) project aiming to design, build and test a 4000N rocket engine, leading on to future pro-jects to complete the

whole rocket. In exploring the engine students learnt about the Physics of thrust and rocketry (led by Seb Hill).

The key drivers and implications of population change with a focus on Brexit and the European Union. (Centre for Population Change, led by James Maloy).

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Chemical Analysis

Year 12 chemists travelled to the University of South-ampton with Mr Januszewski to experience life in an un-dergraduate Chemistry laboratory in January. In the Twi-light Practical, they extracted trimyristin from nutmeg using a range of organic practical Chemistry techniques, guided by a team of postgraduate demonstrators led by Dr Simon Gerrard and Professor David Read. In July, a team of postgraduates from the University of Bath visited THS to provide workshop activities under the Royal Society of Chemistry’s roving ‘Spectroscopy in a Suitcase’ initiative. Year 12 chem-ists and BTEC Applied scientists carried out a paper Mass Spectrometry exercise and then groups were shown Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy methods in action.

Miss Lewis, Head of Chemistry, ar-ranged for THS to be one of 100 schools taking part in Project M, de-vised by scientists at the UK’s synchro-

tron Diamond Light Source. Thirty two Year 12 chemists synthesised a total of 10 samples of calcium carbonate, made with selected additives including amino acids, over 2 sessions. They then sent them back for the scientists to carry out X-ray diffrac-tion analysis in beamline I11 on 26 April. The pro-ject aims to find out how the additives have influ-enced the formation of calcite, aragonite and vaterite - the three ‘polymorphs’ of calcium carbonate. Results are eagerly awaited and the students will be able to analyse their own data online.

Medical Matters Aspiring medics in Year 9 took part in a ’Men in White’ work-shop in British Science Week at the Research Innovation Learning and Development Centre in the University of Exeter Medical School, accompanied by Mr Munro After an introduction from Professor Lorna Harries and Dr John Chilton, the students carried out a series of clinical, molecular and microbiological hands-on investigations. In the Spring, Mrs Needham arranged an inaugural ‘Insight into Medicine’ conference for 16 aspiring med-ics in the Sixth Form; doctors and medical students gave presentations and workshops to help them make com-petitive applications to medical school. To support their curriculum studies, biologists were treated to a talk about ‘Diabetes and homeostasis’ from Dr Andrew Macklin.

In March, 20 triple science Year 9 stu-dents attended GCSE science live! in Bristol as an enrichment opportunity.

Students heard from Professor Lord Robert Winston, Dr Lucie Green, Dr Alice Roberts, Dr Simon Singh and Professor Mark Miodownik about their work as scientists and as science communicators. Together with students from across the country, THS students took part in discussions and debates with the eminent scientists and gained top tips on examination success from an experienced science exam-iner. Ishmal Khan met Lord Winston and got the selfie of a lifetime! Other students asked for his autograph and chatted about his work. Mrs Sammons reported back that it has been a brilliant day for all involved.

Physics Forward As a school registered with The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS), THS has been fortunate to receive sup-port for the TimPix and CERN@school projects. In Janu-ary, Poppy Illsley and Mike Grocott from IRIS visited the

five Year 13 students who car-ried out ‘An investigation into the possible causes of the identified South Atlantic Anomaly’ - Jonathan Hoare, Emily McFarlane, Joshua Doherty, Joshua Nugent and Alfred Dal Din - to make a film

aimed at encouraging more schools to take part in stu-dent-led research such as TimPix.The students enjoyed 3 days of competition and science inspiration in March at the National Exhibition Centre where their investiga-tion had been shortlisted for the Big Bang competition. Their work was also recognised locally and awarded a Science Prize by Dorset Asset Valter Trustees. Outgoing Chief Executive Tim Simmons, who arranged for THS to become an Ogden Trust hub school 2011-15, received warm wishes and thanks from Dorchester on his retirement. Clare Harvey is to be congratulated on her appointment as CE! The Trust con-tinues to offer Physics opportunities to THS including:

Undergraduate Ivy Paterson from Aberystwyth University worked with the Science Department as Teach Physics student intern June-July.

The Ogden Physics Presentation Award chal-lenge to produce ‘a Powerpoint explaining the Inverse Square Law‘ is held annually for Year 12 physicists on starting their A2 courses; Professor Hugh Griffiths judges the competition.

The University of Southampton, South East Phys-ics Network and the Ogden Trust invite THS to nominate two prize-winners in Year 12 for South-ampton Schools Physicist of the Year awards; this year’s winners, Katie Ninham and Ambroise Mor-gan, are to be congratulated!

Residual Ogden funds will support a new Special Award ‘for a Year 13 student who has shown the most dedication to, and enthusiasm for, the sub-ject of Physics in the Sixth Form’; congratulations to winners Jonathan Hoare and Emily McFarlane!

Possibility of a grant towards trips to CERN (- No-vember 2017’s trip is full with 40 students.)

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Expeditions and Exhibitions

From the comfort of THS’ laboratories, Year 9 and 10 classes were transported into other worlds as they

tried out virtual reality Google Expeditions kits in Janu-ary. Students learnt about a variety of science topics, guided by their teachers e.g. coral reefs, rainforests, cir-culatory and nervous systems, stratosphere, electromag-netic spectrum and astronomy.

The Science department took 41 students to Florida for a custom-ised science, culture and fun trip over February half term in record-breaking temperatures. The visit to Kennedy Space Center was a memorable highlight with companies like Space X and Amazon very promi-nent. As the THS party departed, Space X launched a rocket which later landed to be reused.

The students experienced snorkelling in Key Largo; one group snorkelled amongst the mangroves whilst the other group went out to the Molasses Reef. Species such as rays,

moray eels, barracuda, angel fish, fan worms and coral were all seen in the warm waters. The fauna and flora of the unique Florida everglades were spectacular. A pair of bald ea-gles soared above brown and black vultures and manatee rested in the canals amongst the alligators. After watching a demonstration with an 8 foot adult alligator, students had an opportunity to handle a young alligator .

Mr Lewis was selected as one of the UK’s representatives by the Royal Society to exchange ideas for innovative STEM teaching amongst the brightest and best teachers from 30 European countries at the 10th Science on Stage Festival in Hungary. He presented ‘Ticks and Lyme Disease’ project work (as on Page 1).

Sixth form students attended the Summer Science Exhibition at the Royal Society in July. The exhibition featured 22 exhibits of UK-wide cutting-edge science and research - from supernova

to dinosaurs and gravitational waves to corals. Scientists displayed their discoveries and demonstrated amazing technologies whist giving students the chance to quiz them about careers and have a go at hands-on activities. Website reports and Tweets are eagerly awaited from a first expedition to Ecuador and Galapagos July-August with Camps International organised by Mr Bradley, and the Sixth Form UK-Japan Young Scientists trips to Kyoto and Cambridge with the Clifton Scientific Trust organised by Miss Lewis and Mr Lewis.

STEM Challenges Animation and Robotics workshops for Year 9 girls were held in the THS ICT and Computing depart-ment in January. Bourne-mouth University’s STEM outreach team, led by John Baxter, provided the ses-

sions designed to encourage the participants to think about STEM careers and to consider taking relevant subjects, in-cluding Computer Science, when choosing their GCSE

options. Feedback from the students suggested they had really enjoyed the sessions and it had made them think seriously and positively about STEM futures.

The Smallpeice Trust ran a Wind Turbine workshop for Year 9 stu-dents in April. The event, sponsored by the National Grid, challenged students to design and construct a wind turbine with the aim of producing the greatest amount of electricity, whilst ensuring that their model was aesthetically pleasing. Six teams took part in theatre and the winners (as pictured) were presented with headphones from Smallpeice’s Gemma Skelton.

Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK) linked up with The Smallpeice Trust to pioneer a STEM challenge day to promote engineering, aimed espe-cially at girls. Six THS students were

selected according to previous interest shown for engineering opportunities. Together with team members from other schools, they designed and constructed a boat capable of crossing AEUK’s testing pool quietly and speedily. Individual and team performances were award-ed prizes; Olivia Page was given a free Smallpeice Trust Marine Technology course place at Portsmouth Univer-sity and was joined by Ben Richardson also in Year 9.

Two teams of Year 9 girls produced projects ‘Plant’ and ‘Backpack’ and gained Bronze CREST Awards for their work in a STEM club for Girls in Engineering, Maths and Science (GEMS), run by Miss Campbell. They de-signed sustainable products for use in third world coun-tries in agriculture and education using basic materials.

Congratulations to British Biology Olympiad winners - Flora John-son (Silver), Frances Bratby and Michael Norman (Bronze) and Lucy Walker (Highly Commend-ed) - for their impressive efforts.

Michael Norman’s Year 12 team won a significant contri-

bution award and came 3rd

in the SETi cipher challenge.

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Engineering Worlds

A fifth biennial ‘Meet the Engineers’ event for Year 9 and 10 students in March coincided with British Science and National Careers Weeks. 480 students met 5 differ-ent engineers from diverse engineering backgrounds within their hour’s science lesson, spending around 8 minutes with each one in the speed-networking event.

A record 35 engineers, including former THS students, took part as representatives of prestigious UK and inter-national companies and academic institutions: Airbus

Defence & Space; Aston Martin; Biotrack Ltd; Commando Heli-copter Force 846 Naval Air Squadron, Yeovilton and 1710 Na-val Air Squadron Portsmouth; Costain; Engineering & Environ-ment at the University of Southampton; Honeywell Analytics; Bioengineering at Imperial College; Innocent Drinks; Jaguar Land Rover; Mars Petcare UK; MOD Apache Team; QinetiQ; Rolls Royce; Siemens. Students were tasked with inter-viewing the engineers about:- their qualifications; why they chose engi-neering; how their careers developed; what their jobs involve; the best thing about their jobs; would they rec-ommend an engineering career (and why)?; favourite role models; what they enjoy doing in their free time.

Each engineer brought along a prop to demonstrate something connected to their work. The arrival of an iconic As-ton Martin DB11 and a Royal Navy

Merlin Mk 3 helicopter at lunchtime (despite foggy condi-tions) caused a buzz of excitement across the school. Staff and students from all years (including the Summer-time Nursery and Pre-school) streamed down to the school field to welcome the helicopter’s landing and to see it take off. During the afternoon, groups were invited on board to meet the Commando Helicopter Force crew. The event was designed to improve students’ under-standing of the complexities of many different fields of engineering and to make them aware of future interdisci-plinary opportunities open to them, and also to develop their key skills and increase their motivation for STEM subjects. Volunteer STEM Ambassadors John Close and Karen Dickens, kindly helped staff to facilitate the day.

Arkwright Engineering Scholarships: Current Year 12 Arkwright Scholars Matt Torok and Stephen Workman are working with the Future Engineers and Greenpower STEM Clubs respectively and took part in the ‘Meet the Engineers’ event to encourage younger students to try out engineering in school. Daniel Jacobson, former Arkwright scholar and Future Engi-neers club leader, presently studying engi-neering at the University of Durham, was one of just 100 students nationwide to gain an IET Diamond Jubilee Scholarship. As-piring aeronautical engineer Joshua Hamilton in Year 11 was invited to interview for an Arkwright Scholarship at University of Southampton in April.

The Future Engineers STEM Club teams performed outstandingly well in the ‘Land Rover 4x4 in Schools’ regional and national finals in the Spring. Experienced team ‘Panthers’, led by club-leader Etienne Peach, worked together to design and build a radio controlled four-wheeled drive car to set specifications and won Jan-uary’s regionals in Devon before heading off to scoop Innovative Thinking and Best Track Performance Awards at the National Finals held at Silverstone in March. The inexperienced Armadillos team led by Ben Harries modified a kit car and did well to be selected for the nationals as runners-up in the regionals. The teams were very grateful for sponsorship from local sponsors Atlas Elektronik, Precision Acoustics, Pound-bury Systems, Hugh Roberts Decorating, The Blue Vin-ny, Alacrify, Wessex Property Service and to the Ark-

wright Scholarship Trust. In-coming club-leader Matt Torok is setting their sights even higher for next year’s competi-tion and the teams are beaver-ing away on their latest mod-els. Etienne Peach was

awarded the Atlas Elektronik STEM Award in recognition of his strong leadership and efforts with the club.

Year 9 students attended The Big Bang Fair South West at the University of Exeter in June with Mr Sammons. Scientists and engineers and local, national and global companies pro-vided a range of engaging activities, including

a space show (about friction and propul-sion) and career workshops, all aiming to inspire THS engineers and scientists of the future. Trainee teacher Miss Hoskins fed back her highlights of the day “A boy commented he had enjoyed finding out

how he was going to become an electrician by speaking to some of the stalls about apprenticeships. I was impressed on how interac-tive the event was, making science accessible to all ages and abilities.”

Stop Press: Congratulations are due to Frances Martin, Rebecca Buley, Natasha Walker, Lewis Burden, Marcus Hutchings and who gained Valter Prizes for DT projects.

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Getting Geophysical Eight Year 9 students volunteered to help Mr Matthews drive a full archaeological investiga-tion on the THS site in conjunction with Bournemouth University’s School of Environ-mental Sciences Department of Archaeology and Anthropology. “The Dvnovaria Archaeo-logical Investigation has involved students completing a desk based GIS analysis of archaeological potential followed by geophysical surveys using earth resistivity and magnetometry. Test pit excavations of key features of interest from the geophysical survey were conducted along with post excavation analysis of features and finds. The group will report back on the project in the new academic year when it is hoped that a new cohort of Year 9s will complete the study with this year’s cohort acting in a more supervisory and support role.”

The THS Seismometer has detected earth-quakes from Guatemala and Turkey recently, as tweeted by the British Geological Survey.

Continuing Professional Development

In the Summer term, THS runs in-house training for teachers. Mr Richardson and Dr Rowe presented an ‘Engagement, Challenge and Creativity through STEM/STEAM’ workshop showcasing activities already undertaken at THS including Jurassic jewellery, music and poetry. Attendees cast fossil-inspired pendants in pewter, to exemplify ways of incorporating wider STEM/STEAM learning points. Staff were encouraged to estab-lish cross-curricular networks to provide extra-curricular opportunities to enthuse and motivate students. Mr Lewis, Dr Rowe and Mrs Wardlaw presented a workshop at The Asso-ciation for Science Edu-cation conference at the University of Reading in Janu-ary, sharing their ‘Student-led Research in School’ ex-periences. They summarised initiatives that had impact-ed students’ learning, including the Tick project (Page 1), research on unique fossils, CERN@school, School Seis-mology, Nuffield Research placements, Extended Project Qualification, CREST Awards and competitions such as UK Junior Water Prize. In June, Miss Pengelly attended a ‘Women in STEM’ event for careers advisers, teachers and educational pro-fessionals at Bournemouth and Poole College; Miss Lewis, Mr Flello and Mr Munro attended the University of Southampton’s post-16 Chemistry Teachers’ Conference. Curriculum Coordinator for Science Mr Ellison notes: …….. “Although students performed well in GCSE Sci-ence ISAs they were not popular with science teachers. Their replacement, ‘Required Practicals’, have provided a much better set of resources for teaching investigative skills and offer a good foundation for the practical skills needed at A level. The first cohort of Level 3 BTEC Applied Science students have completed the 2 year course. All have achieved at least a Pass, and several have gained Dis-tinctions. Numbers of students choosing this course are increasing which is a testament to the perception of its value amongst other students.”

Quality Careers Advice

Ms Brady, Coordinator for CEIAG (careers education, information, advice and guidance), has reported exciting developments in, and recognition for, the provision of careers guidance at THS. “The new Government statuto-ry guidance (April 2017) recommends that ‘all schools should work towards the national quality award for CEIAG as an effective means of carrying out a self-review and external evaluation of the school’s pro-gramme.’ In order to achieve the ‘Quality in Careers Standard’, THS had to demonstrate, through rigorous assessment that their careers programme has strong leadership from the senior team and governors and that staff are trained effectively to plan and deliver the exten-sive programme, which incorporates careers education, enterprise and employability skills and work-related learning opportunities for all students. The programme, which runs throughout Year 9 to Year 13, and involves employers, alumni and parents, together with providers of apprenticeships, colleges and universities. The award means that staff, students and parents can be assured that THS does provide its students with careers support of the best quality.” New initiatives which have devel-oped since January have included:

Membership of Dorset Young Chamber (sponsored by Atlas Elektronik) which has enabled THS to link more closely with local employ-ers and bring them into school to support events.

An Enterprise Advisor was appointed by the Careers and Enterprise Company. The THS enterprise advisor is from Atlas Elektronik and will be supporting the school in its future planning.

Year 9 experienced an ‘external employers day’ during National Careers Week – alumni and employers attended and were interviewed by students.

All Year 10 attended the first THS Career Fair in July with over 40 employers from a variety of or-ganisations. The students had a chance to visit and talk to employers about careers, pathways, salaries, roles and responsibilities and the em-

ployability skills that are re-quired. Every Year 10 student also experienced mock inter-views with external employers.

Two Sixth Form Futures Days were held in June and July, to prepare students for university, apprenticeship and job applications. Many external employers and alumni contributed their expertise and experiences in order to help Year 12 students make wise choices and maximise their potential. A high proportion of the stu-dents aiming to make early applications for high-flying university courses next autumn are heading for STEM careers. Several local companies have pitched a range of apprenticeship-recruitment opportunities to THS stu-dents this year. Good news of former students is always welcome: Tessa Bide has set up a very successful com-pany specialising in theatre for young children; her latest show is A Strange New Space. Fionn Bishop contributed to Murray Edwards’ College blog ‘She talks Science’ with her positive experiences of studying Natural Sciences.

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Community Outreach

The Spring programme of Com-munity lectures was well attend-ed and appreciated. Professor Steve Jones endured a difficult journey down to Dorchester be-fore delivering a thought-provoking discourse ‘Is Man just another Animal? Evolution and Us’, and returning (after warm applause) on the next train back to London.

Palaeontologist and ichthyosaur specialist Dean Lomax, followed in February and delivered a lecture in conjunction with the Jurassic Coast Trust ‘Discovering Dino-saurs in Britain’. Dean also visited the Jurassic Explorers STEM Club to discuss their research on a rare specimen found in Somerset.

Dr Ceri Lewis from the Uni-versity of Exeter presented her highly topical work on microplastics, the world-wide scourge of aquatic life in the oceans ‘Plastics, Plankton and Poo’ as a second February lecture for the community including members of Dorset Litter Free Coast and Sea.

Renowned Royal Institution Christmas lecturer, Dr Peter Wothers from the University of Cambridge, impressed with orig-inal insights on ‘Gods, Devils and Alcohol - their influence on chemical nomenclature’ to celebrate British Science Week.

Professor Brian Foster, from Oxford University and inter-national violinist Jack Lie-beck rounded off the season in March by giving a fine performance of ‘Superstrings’. Linking Ein-stein’s favourite instrument, the violin, they delighted by exploring many concepts of modern Physics that Einstein did so much to found. In addition to being grateful to all the amazing speakers who have helped so much to inspire students and wider community, THS appreciates the loyalty of the communi-ty audience, and their generosity in donating to charities chosen by the speakers: The Field Studies Council; Ju-rassic Coast Trust; Marine Conservation Society; Oxford May Music. Collections were split enabling eight grants to be made in support of extraordinary science enrich-ment opportunities for First Schools in the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership (DASP).

A lecture on September 18 will be held as the 2017 Clinton Grassby Memorial Lecture with local Rotary Clubs. Professor Dave Goulson from University of Sussex will pre-sent ‘Saving our Bumblebees’ in aid of educational charity, The Buzz Club.

Articles and information supplied by: (In alphabetical order) Ms Brady, Mr Eadie, Mr Ellison, Dr Ennion, Mr Lewis, Mr Matthews, Mr Munro, Dr Rowe, Mrs Sam-mons, Mr Stosiek, THS Webpages, students as quoted.

This newsletter was written and edited (for a final time!) by Mrs Wardlaw who is retiring after 10 years @THS. It is published by Mr Scott. Photos were supplied by Mr Scott, Mr Eadie, Dr Rowe, Mr Munro and Mrs Wardlaw.

The Thomas Hardye School is indebted to the many people, organisations and companies who take part in our S.T.E.M@ths events and activities. Their willingness to give their time, expertise and to share their enthusiasm so generously is greatly appreciated.

Laying Foundations for STEM in Mr Eadie, lead teacher for the ENTHUSE Partnership work with the Middle Schools reports on progress “During the Spring and Summer terms, the EN-THUSE project facilitated a wide range of activities. These included: joint planning and team teaching be-

tween THS staff and its feeder Middle schools; provision of inspir-ing intervention sessions for pupil premium students in Year 8; a maths and science enrichment session for the most able stu-

dents in Dorchester Middle Schools’ (DMS) Year 8, in-corporating a ‘build-a-satellite’ workshop; STEM activity days for Year 8 students of St Osmund’s and DMS; prob-lem solving activities with the aid of Year 9 maths men-tors (pictured); motivational maths sessions for Year 8 students by THS maths teachers to support the transfer process; subject specific CPD sessions; and a variety of other activities to promote collaborative working between THS staff and those in our Middle schools.” The Year 8 STEM Days for St Osmund’s and DMS fol-lowed a format devised in Autumn '16 for St Mary’s, Pud-dletown. The 2017 Year 9 intake thus experienced five different workshops at THS exploring a range of STEM topics alongside their peers. Themes covered compu-ting, robotics, code-breaking, fossils, making a pH indica-tor, Design Technology, animal habitats and adaptation. Sixth Form biologists led by Dr Rowe and Dr Ennion act-ed as mentors on two special trips: 20 St Mary’s Middle Puddletown Years 7 and 8 experienced Discover Ocean-ography with the National Oceanography Centre, South-ampton in British Science Week; Prince of Wales First School enjoyed ‘Discovering Freshwater Ecology’ at the River Laboratory with Dr Genoveva Esteban and team from Bournemouth University (as described on Page 2). In addition to First Schools enrichment opportunities supported by the Community Lectures programme, extra sessions for First Schools have been offered by THS staff. Miss Pengelly, Mr Januszewski, Dr Ennion and team have taught lessons on Space, Fossils and Bones, Human Body, Materials and Forces topics. They took part in Puddletown First’s Science Week, visited Year 3 at Manor Park, and provided laboratory lessons at THS for Puddletown, St Mary’s Catholic, Frome Valley, Piddle Valley, Damers and Prince of Wales First Schools. Mr Shapland rounded off the summer term pupils with an exciting Rocket Show for all in Year 4 in THS theatre. The future for STEM@ths is bright!