British Science Week 2025 Launches!

As part of British Science Week 2025, Leighton Park School has embraced the national theme of ‘Change and Adapt’ exploring how we can respond to the challenges facing our planet and how scientific innovation can pave the way for a sustainable future. The week was officially opened by Head of Science, David Hammond, who was joined by four students to lead a Collect.

The Collect began by highlighting the rapidly changing state of our planet. With environmental challenges becoming ever more pressing, it is crucial that we adapt and respond to ensure a sustainable future—particularly in line with our Quaker value of sustainability. While Earth is undergoing significant transformations, attention has also shifted to Mars as a potential ‘Planet B’. However, as scientific understanding deepens, it is becoming clear that Mars, with its harsh conditions, will not be a self-sustaining environment for human life. This reality underscores the importance of focusing on sustainability here on Earth and adapting our way of life to preserve our planet.

David and the students continued to share examples of how science is helping us address these global challenges, emphasising how we can adapt our thinking and problem-solving techniques to meet the needs of the future. One such example involved the innovative use of solar panels in livestock fields, where the panels not only generate renewable energy but also provide shelter for animals. This approach demonstrates how space can be used more intelligently, combining change and adaptation for energy and space production.

In relation to the importance of adaptation and sustainability and this year’s Science Week theme; Year 7 and 8 students will be tasked with a Show Box Challenge inspired by the ‘tiny house movement’ in the Netherlands. With growing populations and a decreasing supply of building materials, the tiny house movement offers a solution to creating smaller homes that are practical, sustainable, and population effective. Students will be tasked with balancing aesthetics and functionality, exploring how to adapt living spaces to meet the needs of a future where space is limited, and sustainability is crucial.

Using shoe boxes, they will design and build miniature homes that combine luxury with sustainability. This hands-on activity encourages students to think critically about materials, energy use, and creative solutions while designing a space that could meet the demands of the future.

Year 9 can look forward to Nanoparticles experiments in Chemistry, respiration experiments with yeast in Biology and acceleration of free fall using light gates during Physics!

As we look towards the future, Leighton Park School remains committed to encouraging a mindset of curiosity and resilience. British Science Week provides the perfect opportunity for students to engage with ideas that will shape the world of tomorrow, developing STEAM skills that will allow them to lead with innovation and a sense of responsibility toward a sustainable future.