Woodkirk Academy | Woodkirk Recognised in Parliament

Ms Morgan joined local MP, Andrea Jenkyns, in congratulating the Academy for its success in encouraging more students to study science and maths subjects.

Andrea Jenkyns quizzed the Education and Equalities minister and Ms Morgan replied:

" I welcome the opportunity to join her [Mrs Jenkyns] in praising the work of Woodkirk Academy for their excellent work in STEM.

For the full audio clip, please visit Andrea Jenkyns' website here (scroll down to the foot of the page

Woodkirk Academy students excel in STEM Activities

Following joint praise from the Education Secretary, Nicky Morgan and local MP, Andrea Jenkyns in the House of Commons for STEM activities at Woodkirk Academy, students continue to excel. Woodkirk Academy has a thriving STEM group of young people interested in learning about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Woodkirk is running a series of presentations and talks from a range of professionals from industries covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students who form the STEM group have attended after school workshops run by visiting professionals and academics on topics ranging from the manufacture of flood defences to parasitic infections.

Woodkirk is also involved in exciting research together with Oxford University. Over 40 students are currently working on a research project investigating what factors affect the spiciness of chillies with the Compton Electrochemistry Group at Oxford University. Academics from Oxford University travelled to West Yorkshire to conduct troubleshooting on these projects and inform students about cutting-edge research into nanochemistry and electrochemistry. Financial support and equipment has been donated by the Compton Group, Metrohm and St John's College, Oxford University. South Devon Chilli Farm have also asked Woodkirk students to investigate the spiciness of their newest chilli varieties.

20 students from Year 7 participated in an exciting STEM event at the University of Leeds. The event was organised by the charity 'Engineers without borders' and explored how modern engineering ideas can help tackle problems in the less developed world such as lack of access to shelter, clean water and electricity. Students took part in a variety of hands on activities exploring solutions to these issues. The organisers commented how enthusiastic Woodkirk students were to share their ideas and how enjoyable the experience had been for all involved.

Last week, the Further Mathematics Support Programme came to the Academy. They work with schools and colleges to support and promote the study of AS/A Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. They came to Woodkirk to deliver two sessions to engage and enrich students in Mathematics.

The morning session delivered the ‘Fun Maths Roadshow’ to over 40 Year 7 students. There were up to 50 different activities and problem solving tasks and prizes were given to the pairs who completed the most. The students were incredibly competitive and thoroughly enjoyed the session.

In the afternoon a bespoke problem solving session was delivered to more academically able Year 10 students. This focused on content from the new GCSE specification and was invaluable practice for high achieving students. It was clear that these students were stretched and challenged.

The whole day was a huge success and Woodkirk looks forward to working with Further Mathematics Support Programme again.