As the new academic year starts, the Crick’s education outreach team are getting ready to launch some exciting new projects, fulfilling their commitment to reach all 55 schools across the Borough of Camden annually. You can also read their recently published annual report to Camden Council, which details what the team achieved in the last 12 months.

As part of the Crick being granted permission to be on Camden land, we have a commitment to provide outreach across the borough, and we are able to offer a wide range of activities to all 55 of the borough’s schools. Thousands of pupils visited the Crick last year, with even more engaging with Crick staff and science in classrooms across Camden. Highlights of the year include the roll-out of our new Cracking Crick Energy show and the relaunch of our programme that supports Crick staff to take our activities to their own schools and groups by giving them equipment kits and training.

Much of the team’s work is described in our annual report to Camden Council. 

A 'science capital' approach

This year we’ve had a big focus on taking a science capital approach and embedding equity in our programme, ensuring that our activities are as accessible and relevant as they can be to all the children we encounter, whether that’s in mainstream schools or in the variety of Camden’s specialist provision.

In short, science capital is a concept that can help us to understand why some young people and social groups remain underrepresented in post-16 science, and do not see science careers as being ‘for them’.

The Crick's Education programme is designed to build young people’s knowledge and skills, whilst giving them positive experiences that change the way they feel about science. The activities stretch the most able children whilst ensuring that everyone can fully take part.

I was watching as she put together the circuit - she was beside herself with excitement, jumping up and down and screaming with delight. Her teacher told me that she had NEVER seen this child (who normally struggles and is a lower achiever) light up and respond like this to anything in school. When asked if she had made mistakes, done experiments, shared ideas, and learned new things, she enthusiastically nodded yes to everything, and I think in that moment this child could really see herself as a scientist…and it possibly opened a door to her that she didn’t even know existed. 

– US professor visiting our creative electronics workshop for nine and ten year olds

Training and resources for teachers

As well as working directly with school children, the team provide a lot of training, equipment and support to Camden school teachers. Our network of primary school teachers have been learning about forces and how to help young children take a scientific approach to investigations.  

“I have LOVED your CPD sessions; incredibly beneficial and confidence boosting for me (and the team). They have helped me deliver more exciting/risky(!!) learning sessions to classes as I feel more confident with my subject knowledge, confident with organising practical demonstrations and experiments for the children to deliver, and signposting exceptionally curious children onwards!“

– Camden science lead attending our CPD sessions

Secondary school teachers have also benefitted from the expertise and opportunities the Crick provides. Two new networks that support teachers delivering A-level chemistry and physics lessons have been established and are providing expert training in pedagogy and a range of specialist equipment from Crick staff. The teachers are looking forward to hearing from our scientists about how the theory they teach in class relates to Crick science.

Andy Harrison, Science Educator, said:

So much of what we achieve is only possible because of the number of great Crick staff who want to give something back to support the local community. By sharing their work and career pathways, visiting schools and hosting students, people from all over the Crick are able to inspire young people, support their teachers, and help raise aspiration for working somewhere like the Crick.

Read more about the education outreach going on in the borough, including how staff from the STPs are creating their own activities, in the team's annual report to Camden Council.