This year’s Griffin Science Symposium (GSS) was nothing short of extraordinary. With curiosity and innovation at the heart of every activity, the event was a celebration of discovery, imagination, and the boundless possibilities of science. We were thrilled to see our young Griffins immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of scientific exploration, igniting a passion for nature, technology, space, and everything in between.
IMAGINE, our Trust-wide theme for 2025, encouraged students to embrace the spirit of inquiry and possibility. Aligned with British Science Week’s theme of Change and Adapt, our schools brought forward an inspiring array of activities that fostered both creativity and critical thinking, nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Throughout the week, students across the Trust have engaged in a variety of experiences, including:
- Producing inventions as part of the National Primary Engineer competitions.
- Meeting engineers like Daniel Innes from the Civil Aviation Authority, who shared insights on rockets, and Seren White, Senior Project Engineer at NP Aerospace, who discussed the critical role of engineers in shaping our world.
- Exploring the dynamic world of farming with Ruby, Lutfi, and Farmer Fiona, learning first hand how sustainability and innovation drive change in agriculture.
- Participating in interactive Silly Science Workshops that made complex ideas fun and approachable.
- Taking control of a robotic rover over a custom-built Mars landscape, courtesy of Cerebral Ape’s Mission to Mars program.
- Enjoying immersive experiences, including a family ‘shuttle launch’ that took students on a virtual journey through the solar system.
Our schools also embraced the theme of Change and Adapt in their studies of the natural world. From exploring how trees transform with the seasons to learning about the pioneering work of Eunice Newton Foote, one of the earliest climate change scientists, the symposium provided students with endless opportunities to engage with science in meaningful ways.
A special highlight was Dr Alice Dunford from the Open University, who delivered a thought-provoking recorded session titled, From Imagination to Exploration: How Science Fiction Shaped Space Travel. This insightful presentation challenged students to think beyond the stars and dream up their own inventions, further expanding their creative horizons.
Of course, no Griffin event would be complete without a bit of fun, and this year’s space-themed dress-up day, celebrated alongside World Book Day, added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
GSS 2025 truly encapsulated the essence of our Trust’s mission: to provide enriching, engaging, and limitless opportunities for our young Griffins. By sparking scientific curiosity and fostering a love for learning, we continue to inspire the future thinkers, creators, and changemakers of tomorrow. Together, we are building a community of excellence, united in our pursuit of knowledge and innovation.
We can’t wait to see what our students will discover next!
