ASiP Newsletter Spring 2020

4 Abingdon School in Partnership www.abingdon.org.uk Abingdon Science Partnership ATOM Festival Abingdon Science Partnership (ASP) plays a key role in supporting the ATOM Festival of Science and Technology. At this year’s Primary Science Fair eight primary schools exhibited interactive stands at the Amey Theatre, which were visited by hundreds of their schoolmates during the day. The Science Market in the town square featured a team of Science Buskers from local secondary schools engaging the public with science demonstrations. The Amey Theatre was the venue for the sellout headline speaker Dr Hannah Fry, and Saturday lectures on everything from puffin research to proton beam therapy. ASP’s major contribution though is the ever-expanding Family Science Fair. The Yang Science Centre is filled with exhibits run by over 20 organisations and our own team of science teachers, technicians and pupil Science Ambassadors, and was enjoyed by nearly 600 visitors last year. The ATOM Festival is a shining example of the contribution the school is making to partnerships in Abingdon and beyond. ATOM 2020 will be no different with highlights set to include: a student-led Climate Solutions Conference, and headline speakers Dr Helen Czerski and Professor Richard Wiseman. Visit https://www.atomfestival.org.uk/ to find out more! Ogden Trust Physics Intern ASP was delighted to collaborate with the physics department and The Ogden Trust in hosting an intern, Gabriel Semple, during the summer term of 2019. Gabriel was especially suited to the role, being an ex-pupil of two of our local partner schools, Fitzharrys and St Edmund’s RC Primary. Gabriel made a hugely positive impression due to his enthusiasm for science and his ability to engage with all ages. As well as assisting with ASP activities, he developed workshops of his own: one on Orbits and Circular Motion delivered to pupils from his old school, Fitzharrys. He would definitely have a fantastic career as a teacher ahead of him. Other highlights l 382 primary pupils received a CREST Award in 2018-19 l Abingdon staff have delivered 38 science workshops to more than 800 pupils this academic year l ASP staff helped to develop CELL, a science- inspired dance production, performed for four schools in partnership with Larkmead ~ Jeremy Thomas Abingdon Science Partnership Coordinator