For the third time in this academic year Frederick Gent School students gathered at the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee campus. Following the successful Maths and English conferences, this time students from across the entire Trust attended a range of sessions targeted at ensuring students are able to take advantage of every mark available across all six science papers.

Sessions ran across both Tuesday 14th April and Wednesday 15th April covering both the Combined Science and Triple Science. After arriving at the University, students gathered in Jubilee Campus’ Exchange building where they were warmly welcomed by Trust Lead for Science, Mrs Hirst, and a representative of University of Nottingham. Students were assigned mixed groups meaning students also had the chance to meet and learn alongside peers from all areas of The Two Counties Trust.

On Tuesday Grade 5+ students completed sessions including:

  • Required practical planning, where students were taught skills to be successful in 6-mark practical exam questions.
  • Analysis of results, where students were supported in understanding the differences between describing and explaining results.
  • Extended response and AO3, where students practiced writing model answers and analysed mark schemes for greater understanding of levelled response questions.
  • Maths skills in science, where students were given strategic advice on completing maths questions in science.

On Wednesday, it was the turn of Grade 7+ students who joined sessions including:

  • 3 sessions on each of the specialisms in science, where scholars were shown scaffolded responses to some of the more complex, higher tier, areas of the specification.
  • Required practical planning, where scholars were taught skills to be successful in 6-mark practical exam questions.

Across both days’ sessions, students were complimented on their attention and thoughtfulness. Commenting on the Tuesday sessions Mr Hallam of Allestree Woodlands School said:

“Students engaged, working together, listening well to teachers they don’t know. They contributed well, gaining useful tips and really helpful advice. Students working in small groups, meeting new friends helps to build a strong sense of belonging in a Trust that wants them to succeed.”

Adding to Mr Hallam’s words, Trust Lead Mrs Hirst also said:

At the end of both conferences students also attended a final session on how best to apply revision techniques during the final weeks before the beginning of exams. Staff also took this time to nominate students that had been especially attentive and enthusiastic in their sessions to receive some acknowledgement and a treat recognising the effort shown during the conferences.

Kaleb a student at Springwell Community College spoke on the value of attending the conferences:

“Today was great because it’s given me access to talk to experts in their respective fields to help me with my education.”

Well done to all students that attended both days sessions with such enthusiasm and desire to learn. Thank you also to all the staff that have provided sessions and assisted with the organising of this conference. Students have been able to gain this valuable revision by the hard work and dedication you have shown in the organising of this conference.