Northern Schools Trust Celebrates British Science Week 2026
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British Science Week has been an inspiring celebration of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across the Northern Schools Trust. Students from all eight schools have taken part in a wide variety of scientific activities, from practical experiments and research projects to competitions, shows, and industry engagement.
This year’s theme, “Curiosity – What’s your question?”, encouraged students of all ages to explore the world around them and ask the questions that drive scientific discovery.
Contents
- Trust-wide Activities and Research
- Science Shows, Demonstrations and Interactive Activities
- Competitions, Innovation and Challenges
- University and Industry Engagement
Trust-wide Activities and Research
Bunsen Burner Licenses at NLA
At the start of the week, a group of enthusiastic Year 5 pupils from Roscoe Primary took a bold step into the world of secondary school science during an exciting practical workshop at North Liverpool Academy (NLA).
The students demonstrated impressive character, confidence, and maturity as they entered the laboratory for the first time. Under guidance, they mastered the skills of safely lighting and controlling a Bunsen burner. Their hard work paid off as each pupil received their Bunsen Burner License certificates to celebrate their new expertise.
Their scientific journey didn’t stop there. Students also had the chance to carry out a copper flame test, watching chemistry come alive in vivid colour.
Heart Dissection Practical
To launch this year’s theme, “Curiosity – What’s your question?”, Year 6 pupils at Four Oaks explored the mysteries of the circulatory system with a heart dissection practical, a high-level practical that students usually complete while studying A-Level Biology.
Draw a Scientist NST Research Project
All schools across the Trust took part in a Draw a Scientist activity, forming part of a trust research project exploring gender perceptions of scientists across year groups.
At the end of the week, results were reviewed to see whether students’ perceptions of scientists have shifted after taking part in the many activities and experiences throughout Science Week.
Mosquito Workshop with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
New Park Primary also welcomed visitors from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, who delivered a fascinating workshop for Year 3 pupils all about mosquitoes and their role in global health.
Electric Circuits and Science Lessons at New Park
Students at New Park Primary explored scientific concepts through practical learning, including a Year 6 lesson investigating electric circuits. Pupils had the opportunity to experiment with components and explore how electrical systems work.
Science Shows, Demonstrations and Interactive Activities
Science Show Assemblies
Students at Gateacre and NLA enjoyed engaging science show assemblies, bringing exciting demonstrations and experiments into a whole-school setting to spark curiosity and excitement about scientific discovery.
School Food Showdown
Students from Four Oaks, Roscoe, New Park, and NLA enjoyed the lively School Food Showdown held at NLA.
Students put their culinary skills to the test, showing that healthy eating can be fun. Beyond the excitement of the competition, the event helped students develop a deeper understanding of food, nutrition, and practical life skills, exploring the importance of balanced diets, food preparation techniques, and kitchen safety.
Secondary students also delivered a special educational showcase for visiting pupils from the primary schools, introducing younger students to the fundamentals of healthy eating through demonstrations, discussions, and fun activities.
Wonderstruck Science Show
Students from Roscoe, Four Oaks, and North Liverpool Academy enjoyed the Wonderstruck science show at NLA, featuring spectacular demonstrations designed to inspire curiosity and bring scientific concepts to life.
Creepy Crawly Shows
Students from Four Oaks, New Park and Roscoe, enjoyed an unforgettable visit from The Creepy Crawly Show.
Pupils came face to face with spiders, snakes, and other fascinating mini-beasts. Year 4 showed incredible bravery getting hands-on with the animals while learning about habitats, adaptations, and biodiversity.
Competitions, Innovation and Challenges
Engineering Challenge & CREST Awards
Year 5 students from Roscoe Primary visited Gateacre School to take part in an Engineering Challenge.
They developed their problem-solving and communication skills, working as teams to build the tallest tower and strongest bridge while considering the importance of shape, materials, and cost.
The day culminated in all Year 5 students earning their CREST Discovery Award, with the activities led by Year 12 students working towards their Leadership in STEM qualification.
NST Science Solutions Competition Final
The grand finale of the NST Science Solutions competition was hosted at CUC, celebrating creativity and innovation across the Trust.
With over 400 entries submitted from across the trust, 30 finalists aged 4 to 14 presented their ideas with confidence, passion, and remarkable scientific understanding.
The judging panel included representatives from schools across the trust and experts from STEM industries. Students showcased imaginative and forward-thinking projects aimed at solving real-world problems.
All entries will now be submitted into the Business of Science Innovation Awards in May.
Unilever Inspire Programme Final
All four secondary schools took part in the Unilever Inspire Programme Final, hosted by All About STEM.
Year 9 and Ignite students from Gateacre, NlLA, Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School presented innovative product ideas to expert judges through multiple rounds of five-minute presentations. Teams confidently discussed aspects such as formulation, sustainability, inclusion, and accessibility.
One team narrowly missed first place by just half a mark, with Therma-Ease earning second place for its strong concept and confident presentation.
University and Industry Engagement
University of Liverpool Science Event
BTEC Applied Science and Medical Science students from North Liverpool Academy visited an event hosted by the University of Liverpool. Students took part in practical activities including DNA extraction, Gel electrophoresis and Spectrophotometry.
PhD Masterclasses
Gateacre sixth form students attended PhD masterclasses. Dr Phillips spoke to Year 12 scientists about his research on the Characterisation and Testing of a Bio-Derived Antiadhesive Protein Surface.
Students learnt how bacterial proteins can prevent bacteria from adhering to surfaces and discussed the potential real-world applications of this research. The talk also explored the purpose, format, and importance of completing a PhD, as well as the role of collaboration and communication in scientific research.
Alumni Industry Visit from United Utilities
Students at UTC and Studio welcomed alumni Sian Johnson, who spoke about her laboratory science apprenticeship at United Utilities and shared insights into careers within laboratory science.
BioNow Life Sciences Careers Fair
Students from UTC also took part in an online Life Sciences Careers Fair hosted by BioNow, learning about opportunities in the life sciences sector and hearing directly from professionals working in the field.
Royal Society Young Research Zone
We congratulate sixth form students at NLA, who have had a team selected by The Royal Society to attend and present their research at the Young Research Zone in London, representing some of the best school research in the UK.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
From primary pupils exploring science for the first time to sixth form students engaging with advanced research and industry professionals, British Science Week 2026 has highlighted the power of curiosity and collaboration across the Northern Schools Trust.
With hundreds of students taking part in experiments, challenges, competitions, and research activities, the week has demonstrated that the future of science across the Trust is bright.