Science and Computing

Learn how to integrate Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT into your own custom web apps using Python. A strong foundation in Python programming is required.

This is an opportunity for anyone from the third year upwards to learn about Astronomy in more detail and to enter for the GCSE exam in the subject if they wish. It is being run through the Abingdon Science Partnership and a number of pupils from other, local schools are also following the course. New pupils should discuss the practical details of taking the GCSE qualification before joining.

An opportunity for 5th Year and L6 Science Ambassadors to help run a weekly science club for children from local primary schools.

There are many opportunities to volunteer as a Science Ambassador for the Abingdon Science Partnership, including primary school science workshops; Science Oxford Saturday Science Clubs; Scout and Guide Science Badge evenings and the Abingdon ATOM Festival of Science and Technology.

Lectures are organised to support work being done in the Biology specification, to extend knowledge of the specification and to give students an up to date account of current advances in modern biology. Some lectures may also have a more general “Natural History” theme and be open to Middle School Pupils as well.

An opportunity to have another go at some of the practicals required for GCSE chemistry in small groups or individually. You will have the chance to ask any questions about the practicals and perhaps try techniques that are slightly beyond the syllabus. The aim is to improve your confidence in chemistry – and also the quality of your exam answers.

The Chemistry Projects club is an opportunity for students to explore, from an experimental perspective, aspects of chemistry that aren’t normally encountered in school. Previous projects have included ionic liquids, chemiluminescence, antimicrobials, battery storage and the IR spectra of cooking oils.

Joint activity with SHSK

XFMDPNF UP DPEFCSFBLJOH DMVC – Codebreaking Club takes place weekly and teams will be preparing for and taking part in the National Cipher Challenge. This is an annual competition for students across the country to crack ever more complicated ciphers, including simple Caesar Shift Ciphers, Vignere Ciphers and beyond. If you like solving puzzles and reading secret messages then come along – programming and IT skills are a bonus but not necessary.

The Computer Programming activity is intended to provide hands-on experience of the nitty-gritty of computer programming. We use a range of modern programming languages, and develop projects using hardware on which they run. Practical tasks will be undertaken in a dedicated programming environment using the latest interpreted object-oriented languages and application development frameworks.

We support a mixture of students’ own projects and guided investigations into areas covering software, computer science/algorithms and electronics interfacing using Raspberry Pi and Arduino platforms. Examples include smartphone games/apps, real time image capture and processing and even an automatic sudoku solver.

No previous experience is necessary, but an aptitude for logical and analytical thought will be essential. Projects typically run over half a term and are aimed to support the most enthusiastic coders down to those just starting. There is a particular focus on showing students techniques that will help them after Abingdon, be that at university or in the workplace.

Develop your own software and hardware projects with supervision. Learn a new programming language and develop new skills.

Raise insects from eggs and nymphs into glorious full-grown adults. Watch them devour their prey and metamorphose into perfect specimens for the hall of fame.

Explore a range of fascinating and diverse concepts in Physics, including an in depth look at the work on CERN and the LHC and how it is furthering our understanding of the Universe.

Think geology is the study of rocks? You’re right. The good news is, rocks are fascinating! This activity is for those in Year 10 (or 9) who would like to work towards taking a GCSE in Geology. It is ideal for those who are interested in the physical processes that shape the Earth, the history of life and rocks. It will require independent work and commitment.

Joint activity with SHSK

A fun introduction to learning to program in Python.

Lower School Lego Mindstorms Club combines programming and engineering/design techniques. Using the Lego Mindstorms technical lego pieces different robots are created and brought to life by using a programmable brick which takes control of its movements. A variety of tasks are set through the year, to stretch and challenge builders to develop their ability to program and problem solve within the Lego Mindstorms environment.

Lower School Science Club is an opportunity for pupils to partake in science projects and experiments outside of the curriculum. The pupils will have a chance to extend their science knowledge in a fun, hands-on environment.

This is not a science club, this is a club for scientists. You will start with guided CREST Discovery Award projects, taking one or two sessions to complete, but then move on to design and carry out research projects of your own at Bronze Award level or above. Find out more about the British Science Association’s CREST Award scheme on their website, where you can also find project ideas if you haven’t got one of your own yet.

Learn to program in Python.

Joint activity with SHSK

Learn how to build robots using DT, Electronics and Computer Science. Design and build competition robots.

Train to communicate your love of science through presenting, performing, writing, YouTubing, comic books or any other way you can think of.

This is an activity for anyone from 4th year upwards with a love of science and related subjects, especially those who want to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others in a whole variety of different ways.

Flexible sessions will allow you to work on your own, in small groups or larger teams. Different methods of communicating will be developed to suit your own interests. Some expert help will be available from members of the Abingdon ATOM Festival team, producers of the Young Scientists Journal and Famelab judges among others. You will be supported to develop whichever style of communication interests you most or to develop new ideas of your own.