Practical Science for 11 to 16s
Small group tuition providing practical science experience to support home education
✅ Gain practical scientific experience (based on GCSE practicals)
✅ Improve experimental skills assessed in exams (worth up to 20% of exam marks).
✅ Develop technical skills and understanding of scientific enquiry procedures.
✅ Deepen, revise and apply theoretical knowledge to carry out meaningful practical work.
✅ Active learning and revision of relevant topics
✅ Practice graph skills; making judgements and drawing conclusions; interpreting and evaluating data.
✅ Improve experimental skills assessed in exams (worth up to 20% of exam marks).
✅ Develop technical skills and understanding of scientific enquiry procedures.
✅ Deepen, revise and apply theoretical knowledge to carry out meaningful practical work.
✅ Active learning and revision of relevant topics
✅ Practice graph skills; making judgements and drawing conclusions; interpreting and evaluating data.
These sessions offer opportunities, support, encouragement and knowledge for students to access learning however works best for them. Students who are at any stage of studying towards their IGCSE Science qualifications will benefit from these sessions. Students who are not yet studying for their exams but wish develop their experimental understanding and technical skills before they begin their exam studies, will find these sessions provide a great basis upon which to begin their studies and build on their prior learning.
As every child is different, there is no age restriction for attending these sessions. Most tend to be a between eleven years and sixteen years old but the most important considerations are that they are keen to learn and able to apply themselves over the two-hour period in order to get the most out of the experience. If you are unsure about the suitability of these sessions for your child, please do not hesitate to get in touch and Amanda (your tutor) will be happy to talk everything through with you. If you think your child may not be quite ready, you may wish to consider the 8-12s Practical Science sessions.
✅ Heavily differentiated to benefit students with varied levels of experience and prior knowledge at any stage of their IGCSE journey.
✅ Suitable for students studying the Edexcel and Cambridge specifications, and for those who have not yet decided.
AQA accredited, certificated learning opportunities.
Sparking STEM is proud to be an AQA accredited Unit Award Scheme Centre.
This means that students who are enrolled in the scheme will have at least two opportunities to gain Unit Award Certificates in Practical Science sessions. You can find out more about the scheme and enrolment here.
As every child is different, there is no age restriction for attending these sessions. Most tend to be a between eleven years and sixteen years old but the most important considerations are that they are keen to learn and able to apply themselves over the two-hour period in order to get the most out of the experience. If you are unsure about the suitability of these sessions for your child, please do not hesitate to get in touch and Amanda (your tutor) will be happy to talk everything through with you. If you think your child may not be quite ready, you may wish to consider the 8-12s Practical Science sessions.
✅ Heavily differentiated to benefit students with varied levels of experience and prior knowledge at any stage of their IGCSE journey.
✅ Suitable for students studying the Edexcel and Cambridge specifications, and for those who have not yet decided.
AQA accredited, certificated learning opportunities.
Sparking STEM is proud to be an AQA accredited Unit Award Scheme Centre.
This means that students who are enrolled in the scheme will have at least two opportunities to gain Unit Award Certificates in Practical Science sessions. You can find out more about the scheme and enrolment here.
Looking for inspirational IGCSE Biology tuition?
Take a look at the Inspire To Learn IGCSE Biology Hub
Take a look at the Inspire To Learn IGCSE Biology Hub
Credentials
✅ Winner of the STEAM Impact awards 2026 - "Outstanding Impact"
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "PDA for Educators" (PDA Society)
✅ Certified in "ADHD Awareness" (TES)
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fifteen years' experience teaching at exam level
✅ Experienced at teaching IGCSE (Edexcel and Cambridge), AQA & Edexcel.
✅ Over eight years' experience working closely with the home-educating community.
✅ Diverse experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
✅ Winner of the STEAM Impact awards 2026 - "Outstanding Impact"
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "PDA for Educators" (PDA Society)
✅ Certified in "ADHD Awareness" (TES)
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fifteen years' experience teaching at exam level
✅ Experienced at teaching IGCSE (Edexcel and Cambridge), AQA & Edexcel.
✅ Over eight years' experience working closely with the home-educating community.
✅ Diverse experience teaching children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
Booking
2026 Programme:
Booking for 2027 sessions will open on 29th July 2026.
Join the Practical Science mailing list to hear when booking opens.
Stand alone sessions - pick and choose the topics that suit you
AQA Unit Award Scheme sessions - Green indicates that this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Simply select from the options below to see details of each session and add those you wish to book to your cart.
Upon booking you will receive a receipt and then a separate booking confirmation email with registration form.
Please check your spam folder and allow 24 hours before contacting us if you do have not received confirmation.
If you would like to hear about booking opportunities by email, please complete this form
Booking for 2027 sessions will open on 29th July 2026.
Join the Practical Science mailing list to hear when booking opens.
Stand alone sessions - pick and choose the topics that suit you
- Microscopy and cells Monday 11th January 2027 10-12am
- Force and extension Friday 15th January 2027 10-12am
- Refraction and the dispersion of light Monday 18th January 2027 10-12am
- Aerobic respiration Friday 22nd January 2027 10-12am
- Heart biology and dissection Monday 25th January 2027 10-12am
- Water movement through cells (Osmosis) Friday 29th January 2027 10-12am
- Measuring and calculating density Monday 1st February 2027 10-12am
- Chemical tests for nutrients Friday 5th February 2027 10-12am
- Photosynthesis Monday 8th February 2027 10-12am
- Lung biology and dissection Friday 12th February 2027 10-12am
AQA Unit Award Scheme sessions - Green indicates that this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Simply select from the options below to see details of each session and add those you wish to book to your cart.
Upon booking you will receive a receipt and then a separate booking confirmation email with registration form.
Please check your spam folder and allow 24 hours before contacting us if you do have not received confirmation.
If you would like to hear about booking opportunities by email, please complete this form
Practical Science for 11-16s: Microscopy and cells
Sold out
Monday 11th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Each student will have their own microscope to use for the duration of the session. They will be supported to identify the parts of a microscope and to learn to use it effectively to study a range of specimens. They will have opportunities to prepare plant and animal cell slides and to identify the structures in plant and animal cells. They will also have the opportunity to learn techniques for effective drawing of microscopy samples and carry out magnification calculations, whilst developing their knowledge of plant and animal cell structure and function.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
Suggested practical 11: Investigate plant and animal cells with a light microscope.
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
2.2 - 1 State and use the formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size
2.2 - 2 Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units
2.2 - 3 Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (μm)
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully. Registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Force and extension
Only a few left!
Friday 15th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
With a range of student-led investigations, students will explore the difference between elastic and inelastic distortion and see how these terms apply in the real world. They will be supported to conduct an investigation into the relationship between force and extension in springs whilst developing some of the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations. They will have the opportunities to learn about Hooke's Law, proportionality, graphical representation of data and the elastic limit and will and receive guidance regarding exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included with your booking:
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from an experienced GCSE science specialist (PGCE, QTS).
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked to the practical work completed during the session.
AQA Unit Award Scheme session - this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Physics (4PH1):
1.22 practical: investigate how extension varies with applied force for helical springs, metal wires and rubber bands
1.23 know that the initial linear region of a force-extension graph is associated with Hooke’s law
1.24 describe elastic behaviour as the ability of a material to recover its original shape after the forces causing deformation have been removed
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (CAIE 0972):
1.5 - 1 Know that forces may produce changes in the size and shape of an object
1.5 - 2 Sketch, plot and interpret load–extension graphs for an elastic solid and describe the associated experimental procedures
1.5 - 9 Define the spring constant as force per unit extension; recall and use the equation k = F x
1.5 - 10 Define and use the term ‘limit of proportionality’ for a load–extension graph and identify this point on the graph
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully. Registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Refraction and dispersion of light
Monday 18th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to carry out a range of student-led explorations and investigations to explore refraction and dispersion of light. They will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of ray diagrams, the refractive index, total internal reflection and the law of refraction, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
AQA Unit Award Scheme session - this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Physics (4PH1):
3.14 know that light waves are transverse waves and that they can be reflected and refracted
3.15 use the law of reflection (the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection)
3.16 draw ray diagrams to illustrate reflection and refraction
3.17 practical: investigate the refraction of light, using rectangular blocks, semi-circular blocks and triangular prisms
3.18 know and use the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
3.20 describe the role of total internal reflection in transmitting information along optical fibres and in prisms
3.21 explain the meaning of critical angle c
3.22 know and use the relationship between critical angle and refractive index:
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (CAIE 0972):
3.1 - 5 Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electromagnetic radiation can be modelled as transverse
3.1 - 7 Describe how waves can undergo: (b) refraction due to a change of speed
3.2.2 - 1 Define and use the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
3.2.2 - 2 Describe an experiment to show refraction of light by transparent blocks of different shapes
3.2.2 - 3 Describe the passage of light through a transparent material
3.2.2 - 4 State the meaning of critical angle
3.2.2 - 5 Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection using both experimental and everyday examples
3.2.2 - 5 Define refractive index, n, as the ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different regions
3.2.2 - 7 Recall and use the equation n = sini sinr
3.2.2 - 8 Recall and use the equation n = 1 sinc
3.2.2 - 9 Describe the use of optical fibres, particularly in telecommunications
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Aerobic respiration
Sold out
Friday 22nd January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to carry out an investigation to compare the rate of aerobic respiration and evolution of carbon dioxide from a range of subjects. They will also have the opportunity to explore demonstrations of a range of methods that can be used to measure respiration and heat release in living organisms. Students will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations and to consider the limitations of a range of methodologies. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of aerobic respiration as a chemical reaction in cells and the respiration equation, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
Please note that this practical may involve the use of live maggots, which will be ethically and sensitively handled.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.34 understand how the process of respiration produces ATP in living organisms
2.35 know that ATP provides energy for cells
2.37 know the word equation and the balanced chemical symbol equation for aerobic respiration in living organisms
2.39 practical: investigate the evolution of carbon dioxide and heat from respiring seeds or other suitable living organisms
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
2.2 - 1 Describe aerobic respiration as the chemical reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down nutrient molecules to release energy
2.2 - 1 State the word equation for aerobic respiration as: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water
2.2 - 1 State the balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration as:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Heart biology and dissection
Only a few left!
Monday 25th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to investigate the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system and to carry out a dissection on real hearts (lamb). Each student has their own lamb's heart to dissect, if they wish. They will be guided to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
Please note that this practical uses real lamb organs. Halaal organs may be supplied upon request. Please add a note to your booking or send an email when you book.
Minimum participant numbers: Please note that this session has a minimum participant number policy and could be cancelled if there are too few participants. Should this happen you would, of course, be refunded in full.
Included with your booking:
- Small group (max. 10) tuition and guidance from a fully qualified and exam-experienced (PGCE, QTS) science teacher
- All equipment, materials and resources for practical, experimental science and activity-focused tuition.
- Exam questions, mark schemes and model answers to take home
- Room hire, tax, comprehensive public liability insurance
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.65 describe the structure of the heart and how it functions
2.68 understand how the structure of arteries, veins and capillaries relate to their function
2.69 understand the general structure of the circulation system, including the blood vessels to and from the heart and lungs, liver and kidneys
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
9.1 - 1 Describe the circulatory system as a system of blood vessels with a pump and valves to ensure one-way flow of blood
9.1 - 3 Describe the double circulation of a mammal
9.1 - 4 Explain the advantages of a double circulation
9.2 - 1 Identify in diagrams and images the structures of the mammalian heart
9.2 - 2 State that blood is pumped away from the heart in arteries and returns to the heart in veins
9.2 - 7 Identify in diagrams and images the atrioventricular and semilunar valves in the mammalian heart
9.2 - 8 Explain the relative thickness of the muscle walls of the left and right
ventricles
9.2 - 10 Describe the functioning of the heart in terms of the contraction of muscles of the atria and ventricles and the action of the valves
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Water movement through cells - Osmosis
Sold out
Friday 29th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to carry out an investigation to explore the movement of water in and out of cells by the process of osmosis, and to understand the effects of osmosis on plant tissues. Students will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of cell transport and the role of osmosis in animal and plant tissues, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.15 understand the process of osmosis
2.16 understand how factors affect the rate of movement of substances into and out of cells, including the effects of concentration gradient
2.17 practical: investigate osmosis using living and non-living systems
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
3.2 - 2 State that water diffuses through partially permeable membranes by osmosis
3.2 - 3 State that water moves into and out of cells by osmosis through the cell membrane
3.2 - 5 Investigate and describe the effects on plant tissues of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations
3.2 - 7 Describe osmosis as the net movement of water molecules from a region of higher water potential (dilute solution) to a region of lower water potential (concentrated solution), through a partially permeable membrane
3.2 - 8 Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations by using the terms: turgid, turgor pressure, plasmolysis, flaccid
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Measuring and calculating density
Monday 1st February 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Links to Edexcel specification 5.4: practical: investigate density using direct measurements of mass and volume".
Students will be supported to use and evaluate techniques to measure and calculate the density of regular and irregular objects. They will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations and to accurately collect data and analyse their results. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of mass, volume, density and units of measurement, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Physics (4PH1):
5.3 know and use the relationship between density, mass and volume: p=m/V
5.4 practical: investigate density using direct measurements of mass and volume
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (CAIE 0972):
1.4 - 1 Define density as mass per unit volume; recall and use the equation ρ = m V
1.4 - 12 Describe how to determine the density of a regularly shaped solid and of an irregularly shaped solid which sinks in a liquid (volume by displacement), including appropriate calculations
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Chemical tests for nutrients
Sold out
Friday 5th February 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to identify unknown substances using a range of chemical reagents and then to apply they knowledge to identify nutrients in real foods. They will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of the structure and digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and sugars and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
AQA Unit Award Scheme session - this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.7 identify the chemical elements present in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (fats and oils)
2.8 describe the structure of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids as large molecules made up from smaller basic units: starch and glycogen from simple sugars, protein from amino acids, and lipid from fatty acids and glycerol
2.9 practical: investigate food samples for the presence of glucose, starch, protein and fat
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
4.1 - 2 State that large molecules are made from smaller molecules, limited to:
(a) starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose
(b) proteins from amino acids
(c) fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol
4.1 - 2 Describe the use of: iodine solution test for starch, Benedict’s solution test for reducing sugars, biuret test for proteins, ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Photosynthesis
Sold out
Monday 8th February 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to evaluate and compare two methods for investigating the rate of photosynthesis at different light intensities:
- The evolution of oxygen from a water plant and
- The use of algal balls and bicarbonate indicator to investigate the absorption of carbon dioxide.
They will also have opportunities to learn about stomata and gas exchange, and to investigate how wavelengths of light affect the rate of photosynthesis. They will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations as well as data collection and graphical representation of data. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of photosynthesis, plant biology and the photosynthesis equation, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.18 understand the process of photosynthesis and its importance in the conversion of light energy to chemical energy
2.19 know the word equation and the balanced chemical symbol equation for photosynthesis
2.23 practical: investigate photosynthesis, showing the evolution of oxygen from a water plant, and the requirement of light
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
6.1 - 1 Describe photosynthesis as the process by which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light
6.1 - 2 State the word equation for photosynthesis as: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
6.1 - 7 Investigate the need for chlorophyll, light for photosynthesis, using
appropriate controls
6.1 -8 Investigate and describe the effects of varying light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis
Included with your booking:
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
Practical Science for 11-16s: Lung biology and dissection
Only a few left!
Friday 12th February 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to investigate the mechanics of breathing and to carry out a dissection on real lungs (lamb). Each student has their own set of lungs to dissect, if they wish. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of lung biology, gas exchange and the role of muscular and skeletal system in the mechanics of breathing. They will be guided to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Please note that this practical uses real lamb organs. Halaal organs may be supplied upon request. Please add a note to your booking or send an email when you book.
Minimum participant numbers: Please note that this session has a minimum participant number policy and could be cancelled if there are too few participants. Should this happen you would, of course, be refunded in full.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1):
2.46 describe the structure of the thorax, including the ribs, intercostal muscles, diaphragm, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and pleural membranes
2.47 understand the role of the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in ventilation
2.48 explain how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange by diffusion between air in the lungs and blood in capillaries
Cambridge IGCSE Biology (CAIE 0970):
11.1 - 2 Identify in diagrams and images the following parts of the breathing system: lungs, diaphragm, ribs, intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries
11.1 - 6 Identify in diagrams and images the internal and external intercostal muscles
11.1 - 7 State the function of cartilage in the trachea
11.1 - 8 Explain the role of the ribs, the internal and external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm in producing volume and pressure changes in the thorax leading to the ventilation of the lungs
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within 24 hours with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within 24 hours and contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
