Improving academic standards in science at Holland Park School

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The Mohn Westlake Foundation is proud to support the HPS Trust’s ‘Supporting Science’ project, a major initiative established in 2014 with the aim of improving academic standards in science at Holland Park School.
At a glance…
  • 88% of all students (1,200 pupils) are now studying science at the school, compared with 80% when the project first began in 2014.
  • Currently 95% of GCSE Science pupils achieve grades A-C, compared with 81% of students in 2014.
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Lord Robert Winston with HPS Students
“The last two years of support from the Foundation have been, in the true sense of the word, transformative. The Science Clubs, the incentive rewards for disaffected students, combined with the higher standard of training our teachers have received, has led to an incredible upward trend in our results. Students are excited by the experiences we are giving them.”Deputy Head, Science Team Leader
The project has been highly successful so far, with improved academic achievements at GCSE and A level, and an increase in applications to science courses at both A level and university.  
 
In 2017 we committed to supporting this project for a further three years, which will provide a great boost to science, help develop the clubs already set up at the school, retain and engage teachers and have a positive effect on students’ lives.
 
The project includes the provision of a number of stimulating, extra-curricular science clubs, such as Engineering Club, Astronomy Club and Reptile Keepers; excursions to places of scientific interest, including a planned trip to CERN; special courses for Sixth Form students applying to read science at university; and an annual in-school science week with visiting scientists, academics, and prominent professionals. In addition, the project offers special provision for disadvantaged students, and professional development opportunities to attract and retain highly qualified science teachers. The grant also allows the school to expand its resources, providing high quality scientific equipment which would otherwise be impossible to have, such as an astral telescope and high-precision microscopes.
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The fundamental aim of the project is to stimulate school-wide interest and enthusiasm for science, help raise academic achievement in science, and encourage and support those students with aspirations to study the sciences at university.

One long-term aim – to encourage and support those students with ambitions to enter careers in science, technology, engineering and medicine – is proving highly successful. Amongst the outstanding successes of the project has been the consistent rise in both academic achievement at GCSE and the uptake of sciences at A level, with significant numbers of students now leaving the school to study the sciences, engineering and medicine at Russell Group and other universities.

The richer educational opportunities and experiences allowed by the grant has not only enhanced science as a school subject; it has opened up the prospect of exciting futures and careers for many students who would not have previously considered it a possibility.

For more information about HPS Trust’s ‘Supporting Science’ project, please visit their website: www.hpstrust.co.uk

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