Science and Computing

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.

The Biology Project activity is an opportunity for GCSE and A Level students to undergo some research and experiments that will take them beyond the curriculum. This will change from half term to half term and may be directed by the students. Projects have included: investigating productivity in stick insects, genetics in Drosophila, reaction times in humans – and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. A focus on cross-subject projects and working in a team is strongly encouraged.

Lectures are organised to support work being done in the Biology specification, to extend knowledge of the specification and to give boys 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.

This is an opportunity to explore some practical chemistry projects that are beyond the scope of the taught syllabus. We have had recent projects involving chemiluminescence, ionic liquids and looking at hydrophobic coatings.

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.

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.

Expanding on the skills acquired in 3rd Year Engineering Science, 4th and 5th Year students will learn to build circuits using integrated circuits (chips). These more complex circuits will be used to perform various basic functions such as: timing, pulsing and counting – but also more creative functions such as playing music!

As part of the entomology club boys have the opportunity to learn about and study insects. Boys are able to follow their own interests within the club with some rearing preying mantises while others breed moths and butterflies. Boys take charge of their insects and are responsible for feeding them and maintaining their environment.

This is an activity for anyone interested in investigating environmental issues in a systematic and scientific way by analysing large data sets or researching the evidence about important environmental issues. Example data sets available include the SCAMPA air quality and pollution data collected routinely at schools around Abingdon; remotely sensed imagery of global ice and glacier retreat; weather and climate data and even data sets relating pandemic data to environmental factors. There will be excellent opportunities to apply research and analysis skills and to publish results in the Young Scientists Journal or the Routes journal for young geographers. This activity will cover a wide range of subject areas, from science to geography, statistics and computer science depending on your interests and will be suitable for CREST Science Awards and as part of D of E.

Think geology is the study of rocks? You’re right. The good news is, rocks are fascinating! The geology club is for anyone in the school from 1st year up who wants to learn more about our planet in a fun way. Geology is a very practical subject and we do lots of experiments and investigations. For those who are dead keen there is the option of pursuing it as an additional GCSE.

A fun introduction to computer programming. Hands on sessions: writing your own programs; using different programming languages and packages; making graphical pictures, games and animations.

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 boys to partake in science projects and experiments outside of the curriculum. The boys 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.

Ever heard of the disappearing spoon? It’s a magic trick that exploits the properties of the element gallium, one of the 118 known chemical elements. The Chemistry Department has commissioned a giant, wall-sized Periodic Table display with an LED back-lit box for each and every element to go on the top floor of the Yang Science Centre. Periodic Table Club is going to turn this into a Periodic Table of the real elements by collecting and displaying as many samples or artifacts (such as disappearing spoons) depicting uses of the elements as we can manage.

If you expect excitement, explosions and sound-byte science then these are not the clubs for you! However, if you want to learn real research skills; develop deeper understanding and see what it really takes to be a research scientist, then join Physics Factor.

Research projects may be part of external programmes organised through the Abingdon Science Partnership and the Institute for Research in Schools, or they may be based on your own, individual ideas and interests.

Working with Lego Mindstorms robots, Robotics Club combines programming and engineering techniques. Building different models and machines using technical Lego, they are 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, within the Lego Mindstorms environment.

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.

Members of the Wildlife Club will take part in outdoor conservation projects for OPAL, RSPB and other organisations. Indoor meetings include presentations and discussions about conservation and wildlife related topics. Whilst learning about wildlife and habitats, students will have the opportunity to practice their creative writing, public speaking and GIS skills.