On Tuesday 15th 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 Ms 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 various activities. They worked together mixing and measuring solutions, identified body organs, used stethoscopes to record the effects of exercise on heart rate and building 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 but also developed invaluable leadership and communication skills. Additionally, for the 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 said, “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!”
The success of the JEMS outreach programme underscores the importance of collaboration and community engagement at Oxford High School. 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.
