Sparking STEM
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Frequently Asked Questions

Practical Science to Support IGCSE
 
Where is it?
When is it?
How much does it cost?
Can I stay with my child?
​Can I reserve places or spread the cost?

​Do you offer a sibling discount?

Supporting your child
​
Who is it suitable for?
Which specification / exam board?
Can you offer other practicals?
How many students are in a group?
Who is the tutor?
What do they learn?
Can you enter students for exams?

Do we need to bring anything or prepare?
​What if we can't attend a session?
​Is it safe?

What about COVID19 and illness?
Booking and registration
Photography

Please see the following relevant policies:
(Registrations cannot be accepted without agreement to these policies)
Code of conduct
Hygiene and infection control 
Terms and Conditions
Privacy policy
 
Where is it?
Sessions are held in Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield, England. For further details, directions please see the location page here.
book 8-12s
book 11-16 group
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When is it?
Practical Science sessions run annually through January and February.
If you would like to be notified when further information is available, please complete this quick form.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Can I stay with my child?
Practical Science sessions are intended as drop-off sessions where the children learn independently of their parents / carers.
We will do everything we can to remove any barriers your child may have to taking part, so please get in touch if your child could not attend without you, and we'll be happy to work with you to find a way to make it work.  
The sessions are repeated annually in January / February, so if your child is not quite ready you may wish to consider attending the following year instead. If you need to wait just outside the door at the beginning for a short while to make sure your child is settled before you leave, there is a small space where you could do so, just let us know if you think this would help and we can do everything possible to work with you to ensure your child is happy and settled and that you can feel confident leaving them.
There are also many cafés and shops just up the road where you could be just a minute or two away should your child need you. I offer every new registration the opportunity to chat on the phone, or exchange emails beforehand to make an individualised plan so that we know exactly what would work best for your child, and you.

​Supporting your child
 
Who is it suitable for?
Practical Science sessions ares available for two age groups (8-12s and 11-16s), though the age is intended as a guide only as every child is different. Please note that students need to be able to read well enough to follow written instructions and safety information.
​
​Supporting your child

8-12s group:
For younger students, Practical Science for 8-12s sessions offer an opportunity to gain experience handling practical science equipment while conducting practicals in a fun, small-group environment. They'll develop their understanding of good experimental
procedures and further their understanding of the theory behind a range of science topics, laying the foundation for the practical science skills and knowledge they are likely to need as they take their studies further.​​

11-16s group
These sessions offer older students the opportunity to
develop their experimental understanding, technical skills and scientific knowledge at the same time as offering exam-focused support for those at any stage of studying towards their IGCSE Science qualifications.
Students who are at any stage of studying towards their IGCSE Science qualifications will benefit from these sessions, whether they are just starting out or soon to take exams. You'll be asked to indicate what stage they're at and what your objectives for them are when you register after booking. The support and guidance they will be given in the sessions will then be adapted to them individually so that they can access develop their knowledge and skills at a level that is right for them. As every child is different and may be studying at an appropriate level at different ages, 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.
book 8-12 group
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Which specification / exam board?
​
The 11-16s Practical Science classes can provide Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge (CIAE) IGCSE or AQA GCSE focused content and guidance according to your child's needs. Edexcel is provided as a default for those who have not yet decided on an exam board. You will be asked to indicate your preferred specification (if known) and level (from just starting out, to exam ready) at registration and materials and tuition will be tailored to suit individual students.
The sessions do not cover every practical suggested in the specifications. The offered selection uses a broad range of equipment and experimental skills, along with continuous emphasis on investigative skills, experimental design, exam techniques and content revision and consolidation that provide a range of opportunities to develop relevant practical skills and experiences to support home-learning.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Can you offer other practicals?
At the moment we are unable to offer other practicals, though we are looking to increase what we can offer in the future. If there is a particular topic or practical that you would be interested in, please let us know and we will do our best to build your suggestions into future plans.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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How many students are in a group?
The maximum number of students in each group is ten.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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How much does it cost?
Please see the booking pages for pricing information:
8-12s
​11-16s

Prices include:
  • 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.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Can I reserve places or spread the cost?
It is not possible to reserve places in advance of the day that booking opens.
If you are committed to attending, but would like to spread the payment for places you wish to book, you can do so by request: Please email Sparking STEM as soon as possible before booking, and let us know which sessions you would like to book and for how many students. We will get back to you with a proposed payment schedule and code to allow you to book your places without full payment up front. Upon booking you will be sent a personalised payment link where you will be able to complete your spread payments, subject to the following terms:
  • In the event that a scheduled payment is not paid in full on time (or cancelled with sufficient notice as detailed below) Sparking STEM reserves the right release your reserved places for booking by others and to refuse you future bookings for any Sparking STEM sessions.
  • Please provide at least four week's notice by email before the start date of a session if you can no longer fulfil your commitment to attend. 
We ask that you bear in mind that booking places makes them unavailable to others, so please only use the "spread payment system" if you are fully committed to attending, and please cancel only in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
 
​Do you offer a sibling discount?
Each child’s place carries the same staffing, insurance, venue and preparation costs, so the per-child costs don’t fall when siblings attend together. 
I want to do everything I can to keep group sizes small and costs reasonable, fair and consistent between families. 
As a small provider with siblings often attending sessions together, it would simply make the sessions unviable to offer a sibling discount at this time.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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​​Who is the tutor?
Sessions are taught by Amanda Childs; a qualified and experienced science teacher (QTS, PGCE science / Biology specialism 2010) with postgraduate science qualification (MSc Applied Entomology), winner of the 2026 STEAM Impact Awards (Outstanding Impact), and a total of over fifteen years experience teaching exam level science (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge specifications)​.
Since 2017, Amanda has worked closely with the home-educating community to engage students in STEM subjects (ages 3 to 16). She also works with primary and secondary schools to enrich classroom learning and  collaborates with Universities to provide training for early career researchers - working to bring children closer to STEM research and raise their awareness and aspirations for a future in STEM.
Amanda is a SEND parent and has extensive experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, working with local authorities to support children unable to access mainstream education.
Prior to teaching, Amanda worked in agrochemical research and in animal welfare research, training teams of adult researchers across seven developing countries.
Find out more here
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'
✅ Trained in 'Neuro-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Approaches'
✅ Enhanced DBS 
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ 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​​
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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​What do they learn?

8-12s group:
Through a range of demonstrations and student-led explorations, activities and challenges, participants are encouraged to use a wide range of scientific equipment from microscopes to ray boxes, glassware to balances to carry out experiments and learn about a range of science topics. They're supported to learn for themselves whilst being guided to develop good experimental skills and understanding. The emphasis is on learning through doing and enjoyment, whilst being supported to access learning in a way that suits every child as an individual.

11-16s group:
In each session, students are guided to complete a practical experiment (some sessions may include more than one), using appropriate laboratory equipment. They are supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in written examinations and to use, select and understand equipment. Through an individually tailored blend of active learning strategies, demonstrations and practice exam questions, they receive tuition throughout to improve their understanding of the relevant science topic. There is a
continuous emphasis on the key words and structured thinking that is necessary to apply knowledge successfully in exams.
​Most of the practicals are based on the ‘GCSE practicals’ though there are additional practical activities such as dissections. By experiencing practical science first hand, alongside carefully structured tuition, students come to understand the scientific process at the same time as applying and deepening their understanding of the science behind the experiments.

Supporting your child - read more
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Can you enter students for exams?
No, Sparking STEM is not an exam centre and cannot enter students for any exams.
​Responsibility for exam entry, full specification tuition and assessments remains with the primary educator.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Supporting your child
​Please see our "Supporting your child" page for full details about how your child is supported throughout their learning journey with Sparking STEM.

Knowing what to expect in Practical Science sessions
The location page gives detailed information and photographs of the venue that you may wish to look through with your child in advance, to help them to know what to expect. You could screenshot the photographs to build a social story, and there is a slideshow showing the route into the building and to the room where we work. There are never more than ten students in a group. There is one main facilitator (Amanda) and in some groups there may be an additional adult working to support an individual student. If there is anything else it would be helpful for your child to know in advance, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Certified in "PDA for Educators" (PDA Society)
✅ Trained in '
Neuro-Affirming and Trauma-Informed Approaches'​
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3) 
✅ Over eight years' experience working closely with the home-educating community.
The "Skills Tree"  in the 8-12s group enables students to collect "Skills stamps" if they choose to. There's no pressure to do any or all of them. Students can self-select which skills they evidence, or they can learn the skills and join in without evidencing anything if they prefer.
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The Calm Zone - Children can come and have a bit of time out, or help themselves to anything from the table at any time, without asking.
​I only ask that everything must be back on the table at the end.
(This is currently available in the 8-12s group only as the space is trickier in the 11-16s. If you think it should also be in the 11-16s group please let me know by voting below and I'll do my best to make it fit somehow!)

    Calm Zone table..

Submit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"It was excellent, I have never seen a teacher try to meet my child’s needs so enthusiastically and effectively".
​Parent of a Practical Science 11-16s student 2023
Book 8-12 group
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Do we need to bring anything or prepare?
All equipment is provided.
Students are welcome to bring any stationary, calculators and notebooks etc they may wish to in order to help them take notes effectively. Pencils, rulers, calculators and worksheets will be provided.
Please ensure students have any medications they may need and that any medical needs have been detailed in the registration form you will be sent upon booking.

​Students should bring a bottle of drinking water and light refreshments if they are likely to need it (please do not bring anything containing nuts).
We don't have set times for eating or drinking (in any Sparking STEM sessions). If children are hungry they should be able to eat, if they are thirsty they should be able to drink. Instead children are encouraged to eat and drink what they bring with them, as needed, without asking.
In some sessions there may be restrictions on where they can eat and drink due to health and safety restrictions around our activities. Every session starts with a brief introduction to let them know about any specific requirements in that session. Hand washing facilities are available in every session.
​
Clothing
The room is well heated but the windows may be open for ventilation. Students may wish to wear multiple layers so they can control their temperature accordingly. As we will be doing work that involves careful handling of liquids and glassware, it would be helpful to avoid bulky clothing that would hinder their movements, if possible.
In some sessions, we may use solutions that can stain ("Microscopes", "Chemical tests for nutrients" and "Using chemical indicators"). It is a good idea to avoid wearing clothes that you would mind getting messy.
Please avoid wearing shoes with wheels in the sole as these can be dangerous when navigating a room with glassware, chemicals, equipment and other people. Thank you.

Preparation
There is no specific need to prepare for any session. All teaching is continually responsive and adaptive so that students are supported and extended individually.
If your student finds it helpful to have prior knowledge of the topic before the session, you can read further details about what is covered in each session, in the booking information ad use that to help with any pre-teaching or preparation that your child might find helpful. 
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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​What if we can't attend a session?
If you find you cannot attend a session on the day, please phone or text Sparking STEM at the earliest opportunity (07444720595) or send a message via Facebook or email.
Refunds cannot be issued for individual sessions missed by you on the day.

Please see the Terms and Conditions for information regarding cancellations.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Is it safe?
  • Sessions are fully risk assessed and run by a qualified paediatric first aider with enhanced DBS, safeguarding certification and many years experience supporting children.
  • We have comprehensive public liability insurance tailored to cover these activities.
  • A full COVID19 risk assessment has been conducted and is continually updated in line with government advice. Please read the Hygiene and infection control policy  for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well. ​
  • All Sparking STEM staff are trained in safeguarding. If you ever have a safeguarding concern regarding Sparking STEM, please let us know or you can contact SCSP for advice.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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What about COVID19 and hygiene control?
The hall in which we work is large enough to allow social distancing if necessary and ventilation. Hand-washing facilities are easily accessible and hand sanitiser will be provided and encouraged. Please read the Hygiene and infection control policy.
If you have specific concerns, please get in touch and we will be happy to work with you and take your requirements into account.
Please read the Hygiene and infection control policy for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well. 
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Booking and registration
Places can be booked directly through the website using major credit cards and Google Pay. 
Book places for 8-12s Practical Science here.
Book places for 11-16s Practical Science here.

Upon booking you will receive an email confirming receipt of your payment, and then an email from Sparking STEM (please check your junk / spam folder) with confirmation of your booking and a short registration form offering the opportunity to grant or decline photography consent and provide SEND or other information.
If you have not received your booking confirmation email within 24 hours and have checked your spam folder, please get in touch.
book 8-12 group
book 11-16 group
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Photography
Unlike many providers, our default position is to assume you do 
not give photographic consent, as your child's welfare is our highest priority.
​Sparking STEM may take photographic images or video capture of the session to be used for training and promotional purposes (including use on social media), but will not do so without your express consent. 
​
The registration form you'll be asked to complete upon booking includes an opportunity to grant or decline this consent.
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  • Home
  • About
  • IGCSE Biology Hub
  • Home Education
    • IGCSE Tuition
    • Outdoor STEM >
      • Booking
      • Locations >
        • Forge Dam
        • Mayfield Alpacas
        • Flying Horse Lawn
      • Being prepared
      • Hygiene & Infection control - Outdoor STEM
      • FAQ
    • Meet scientists >
      • Scientist In The Spotlight
    • Practical Science >
      • 8-12s Practical Science
      • 11-16s Practical Science
      • FAQ
      • Location
      • Hygiene and infection control - Practical Science
    • Natural History GCSE
    • Supporting your child
    • Unit Award Scheme
  • Scientists
    • Online - Effective Outreach with Children training >
      • Oct 26 online course
    • Asynchronous - Effective Outreach with Children training
    • Face to face - Effective Outreach with Children training
    • Scientist In The Spotlight
  • Schools
    • Meet scientists >
      • Scientist In The Spotlight - Schools
    • School Workshops
  • Shop
    • Gifts & decorations
    • Home laboratory
    • Microscopy & Magnification