On Tuesday, 15 October, Oxford High School GSDT welcomed sixty enthusiastic Year 5 pupils from St. Francis Primary School and St. John Fisher Primary School as part of its Junior Engineering, Maths and Science (JEMS) outreach programme.
The JEMS programme, devised and led by science teacher Maria Whittington, has been inspiring young minds for 12 years. Throughout the morning, the Year 5 pupils were immersed in a series of experiments focusing on several activities.
They worked together mixing and measuring solutions, identified body organs, used stethoscopes to record the effects of exercise on heart rate, and built towers that could not collapse. The interactive nature of the activities provided an unforgettable learning experience for all involved.
One of the core benefits of the JEMS outreach programme is the reciprocal learning it develops. Oxford High School pupils not only had the opportunity to reinforce their understanding through teaching others. They also developed invaluable leadership and communication skills in the process.
Additionally, for Year 5 pupils, this event offered a unique chance to extend their regular curriculum, allowing them to discover and engage with topics they may not have encountered otherwise.
A year 5 pupil comments, “It was really fun to work with new people and find out how science connects to things we do every day. I feel like I could become a scientist one day!”
Mrs Marina Gardiner Legge, Head of Oxford High School GDST, said: “We are proud to see the enthusiasm and curiosity sparked by our JEMS outreach programme. It’s wonderful to witness these young minds engage with science in a hands-on way and we hope this experience encourages them to continue exploring the world of STEM in the years to come.”
The success of the JEMS outreach programme underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement at Oxford High School GDST. By providing opportunities for mentorship and practical learning, OHS continues to make a positive impact on the wider community and inspire young minds to pursue their passion for science.
Oxford High School GDST is an Independent Girls’ School in Oxford for girls aged 4 to 19, which aims to cultivate a community where lifelong friendships and a passion for learning flourish. As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) network, the school provides a dynamic and nurturing environment for young women to thrive.
St. Francis C.E Primary School is located in Cowley, and St. John Fisher School is in Littlemore, Oxford.
