As a learning community centred in Christ, we walk hand in hand with God on our journey in faith.
Science
Science 2023 - 2024
Science at English Martyrs’
HANDS ON, MINDS ON!
At English Martyrs’ Catholic School, science is an exciting and engaging core subject in which all pupils thrive through enjoyment and curiosity. There is a real buzz amongst pupils for the subject; we have successfully raised its profile through enrichment, whilst ensuring access to a high-quality science education. With key knowledge and practical investigations at the heart of the curriculum, we create a ‘hands on, mind on’ approach allowing pupils to learn through questioning, exploration, analysis and explanation.
Our science curriculum is also underpinned by the understanding of: we are ‘Global Citizens’ and commit to the 17 Global Goals set by the UN to be reached by 2030. Through our lessons, we make ourselves aware of our impact on the world around us and consider ways in which we can contribute towards achieving some of these goals in hope for a better future for our planet and all its inhabitants.
Click below for a more detailed outline of the INTENT, IMPLEMENTATION and IMPACT of science at English Martyrs'.
Science 2024!
Science Day 2023
SCIENCE DAY IS BACK!!!
We started the day with a special assembly led by 'Mahdiya the Paramedic'. We could really relate to her as she too went to a Catholic school in Birmingham! Mahdiya told us all about what led her to studying Paramedicine and how she uses science in her job. It was inspiring to meet a female paramedic who came from a similar background to many of us and it opened our eyes to the endless opportunities that are open for all of us.
Year 5 and 6 were lucky enough to have sessions with Mr Shahib - a diagnostic engineer for McLaren! He explained how the cars are designed to drive at speed with the knowledge of forces at the forefront of the engineers minds. In addition, he talked about how a part of his role was to inspire young girls (and boys) from a range of backgrounds to consider a future in engineering.
Highlights...
EM Science Fair 2022
Y5 Trip - Thinktank
Exploring Forces in the Science Garden
All About Our Bodies
Having Fun Exploring and Discovering
Science Week
As part of their learning about human skeletons, muscles and nutrition, Y3 had a 'Home-Visit' from Doctor Carroll!
Science at English Martyrs' October 2021
Sursum Corda Science Leaders Inset Day
On the 20th of September 2021, English Martyrs' hosted a collaborative Science training day for colleagues from schools across the city! This day was led by Mrs Kermalli (Science Lead) and Kate Redhead from the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). It proved to be a fantastically useful day of networking and sharing of resources across schools - attendees left feeling enthused and empowered to raise the profile of this core subject (amongst children and staff alike) in their settings.
Y4's Trip to the Martineau Gardens
Y4 enjoyed exploring real life habitats of local species and had a ‘hands-on’ experience. They were able to learn about local wildlife and compare the environment to that of our school. For many, it was their first experience of orchards and woodlands - they considered ways in which these natural areas are to be respected and taken care of. In addition, learning about habitats in the real world was an eye opener - pupils were able to realise the impact of human activity on the homes of a range of creatures and consider ways in which they can change their behaviours.
Click below to find images of the fantastic day out!
Science at Home!
Hello Families!
Below are a few links you may find useful:
1) Question prompts to use as a family...You can start within your current year group and revise questions from the year groups below too!
https://thatscienceladycom.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/home-discussion-questions.pdf
2) Some super games and activities here - enjoy!
Balloon Car Racing!
Hello everyone! Hope and pray you are all well, safe and happy. My daughters have had a super time creating balloon racing cars and then competing with each other to see which car travels the fastest, or furthest. The items needed for this activity would usually be recycled, so you are actually re-using waste items and turning them into fun toys! You may even pick up a little science and engineering along the way 
. I have attached a video and an information sheet to support you. I would love to see your creations - photographs and videos are welcome!
Stay Safe!
Mrs Kermalli
World Oceans Day
On Tuesday 10th March 2020, to celebrate British Science Week, we were excited to have a life-size marine wildlife roadshow coming in to school. The aim was to engage the children in discussions over plastic pollution and climate action. Many interesting facts on species diversity were explored and the huge impact that plastic pollution is having on the marine environment was shared.
We intended for our pupils to understand the science, know the reality and be inspired to take action by reducing human impact on our planet. This relates well to the UN Global Goals (GG) for Sustainable Development - GG 13: Climate Action and GG 14: Life Under Water – understanding these will support pupils to see themselves as global citizens with responsibilities towards the environment.
At the end of the day, parents were invited in to experience the life-size marine inflatables and hear about the day from our Science Ambassadors (pupils) as well as Andy Peters – the expert!
Take a look at some photographs from the workshop and the fantastic work our children produced!
Mad Science Day 2019
We started our day with an assembly to set the 'DISCOVER and EXPLORE' scene and to reflect on our school VIRTUES and the GLOBAL GOALS...
Hands on...Minds on...
EM Science Fair 2019
A huge THANK YOU to all of our PARENTS for their participation and enthusiasm!
The Great Science Share June 2019
Birmingham City University
Professors from Y4 and Y5 at the GSS 2019
The Great Science Share - Pioneered in Manchester - Making a Difference UK-Wide
This year we have had the honour of taking part in 'The Great Science Share' which is a national programme of events designed to inspire young people into Science and Engineering. This satellite science-fair-style event was held at the Nelson Mandela school and involved 6 other local schools. Our children represented English Martyrs' really well, especially when facilitating others to participate in their experiments.
Every school was asked to come up with 2 investigations that they could set up and help others to explore...
Year 6's Question: Does a layer of fat really keep the cold out?
A messy, buttery experiment to prove the theory of blubber acting as insulation!
Year 4's Question: Can you put a skewer through a balloon without popping it?; Can you put a skewer through a water-filled bag without getting wet?
A super exciting challenge - not only was it fun to have a go at, but our children explained the science behind it articulately using all the right scientific vocabulary!
After last year's sensational Mad Science Day and Fair, we decided that it had to be an annual event at English Martyrs'...
MAD SCIENCE DAY 2018 - A super success!
This year's theme: DISCOVER + EXPLORE linked perfectly with our school virtues of ACTIVE + CURIOUS
Science Fair 2018
We are Polar Explorers!
We have been really fortunate to be involved in the Polar Explorer Programme launched by STEM Learning (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) which encourages and supports schools who are keen to raise aspirations and attainment in STEM subjects and aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
About the Polar Explorer programme
In 2014, the Government announced a £200 million investment for a new polar research ship. The RRS Sir David Attenborough will enable world-leading research in Antarctica and the Arctic for the next 25 years.
With funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) STEM are using the build, launch and operation of RRS Sir David Attenborough to bring an exciting new context to the teaching of STEM subjects.
Schools will gain the support of a Polar Ambassador, a specially selected STEM professional, who will help to enrich the teaching of STEM subjects in primary schools.
Thank you to Dr Simon Sheriden (specialist in Space Science) - our STEM Ambassador - who has supported us this year during exciting Science events.
Year 3's Polar Explorer Day with Simon - a REAL scientist and a STEM Ambassador
Year 1 as Polar Explorers
MAD SCIENCE DAY 2017!
Science Fair 2017 - Check out our stations...
