Schools partnership presses ahead with projects to secure Oxfordshire's scientific future

The next looming phase of "Securing our Future" — a county-wide initiative to encourage the teaching of science in schools — is due to be launched in Oxford.

On October 14, the Oxfordshire Independent State Schools Partnership (OISSP) will set in motion a series of six "cluster projects" within the county's secondary schools, each encompassing a different field of science teaching. The projects are to be announced at a special County Hall gathering of the local science education community. Sir David King, director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, will be guest speaker. Schools will be invited to sign up to participate in the projects.

OISSP chairman Paul Bradstock said: "As one of the UK's leading counties for science in academia and commerce, Oxfordshire is well placed to produce the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists.

"The key is to capture our children's imagination and spark their enthusiasm for science. Our aim is to achieve this by creating partnerships, sharing resources and co-ordinating projects among the schools and industry in the county."

The six cluster projects are designed to provide enrichment activities for pupils and make them aware of the application of science in industry as well as develop new teaching resources. Each is led by a project champion, chosen for their expertise in the field.

The projects are: Oxfordshire Sustainability: With the guidance of photographer John Cairns, pupils will produce their own digital photographs to depict sustainability issues and then research possible scientific solutions. The culmination will be the schools' own version of the Earth from The Air photographic exhibition. Eight schools are already participating and their photographs will go on show at Oxford Castle in the autumn.

The Great Energy Debate: Oliver Rathmill, from the Northmoor Trust will use local landscapes to explore the impact of global environmental challenges. The students will be given the opportunity to act as policy makers, and to explore the possible outcomes for a 2026 South Oxfordshire community, depending on how its energy is provided. A large aerial map of South Oxfordshire will be used to enhance pupils' understanding of future energy options. They will be asked to create a sustainable fuel economy based on scientific data – then see the impact on the landscape. The map will be on display at the Key Learning Centre, at Oxford Castle.

Science in Health: Caroline Gregory, of Cherwell School, is developing a schools workshop with clinical engineering, clinical measurement and medical physics staff from local hospitals. The first hands-on experience, involving measuring instruments and an infusion pump, proved popular with Year Nine students at Cherwell. Similar sessions are planned for schools in Headington and the surrounding areas.

Engineering & Technology: GO4SET is an initiative from the Engineering Development Trust to stimulate interest in science, engineering and technology. This is one of many projects and focuses on the supply and conservation of water in schools. Schools are invited to develop solutions for water conservation and will present them at an awards event next year.

Science and Innovation: Bridget Holligan and Jo Hodges, of The Oxford Trust, will run four science innovation days. They will use examples from real science and engineering companies to help pupils explore how scientific knowledge can be commercially used. Interactive workshops will develop skills in business, team management and communication. Energy Conservation: Lynn Hughes is the project champion leading the Schools Energy Efficiency Project, which focuses on decisions that schools need to make for efficient energy management. Students will be given the opportunity to develop a practical understanding of energy efficiency in buildings and will develop ideas to help make improvements in their own schools. The students involved will meet at the EFTA exhibition site to discuss the different strategies they have introduced.

The cluster projects launch event takes place at 5.30pm on Tuesday, October 14, at County Hall, Oxford.