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?
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?
How do you support children with SEND?
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
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?
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?
How do you support children with SEND?
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.
Sessions are held in Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield, England. For further details, directions please see the location page here.
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.
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.
Can I stay with my child?
Practical Science sessions are intended as drop-off sessions where the children learn independently of their parents / carers. If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) that would make this impossible however, please get in touch 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.
Practical Science sessions are intended as drop-off sessions where the children learn independently of their parents / carers. If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) that would make this impossible however, please get in touch 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which specification / exam board?
The 11-16s Practical Science classes can provide Edexcel or Cambridge (CIAE) IGCSE 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 and level (from just starting out, to exam ready) at registration and materials and tuition will be tailored to suit individual students. If you are interested in a different specification please do not hesitate to get in touch and we may be able to accommodate your needs.
The 11-16s Practical Science classes can provide Edexcel or Cambridge (CIAE) IGCSE 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 and level (from just starting out, to exam ready) at registration and materials and tuition will be tailored to suit individual students. If you are interested in a different specification please do not hesitate to get in touch and we may be able to accommodate your needs.
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.
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.
How many students are in a group?
The maximum number of students in each group is ten.
The maximum number of students in each group is ten.
How much does it cost?
2025 prices are as follows:
Prices include:
2025 prices are as follows:
- 8-12s: £19.95 (1.5 hour session)
- 11-16s: £28.70 (2 hour session)
Prices include:
- Tuition and guidance from a fully qualified (PGCE, QTS) science teacher with over 13 years teaching experience and over seven years experience working closely with the home-educating community.
- All equipment, materials and resources for practical, experimental science and activity-focused tuition
- Exam questions (11-16s) and paper resources to take home
- Room hire, tax, comprehensive public liability insurance, heating and hand gel!
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:
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 two week's notice by email before the start date of a session if you can no longer fulfil your commitment to attend. As reserving a place may deprive others of attending, Sparking STEM asks that you only reserve a place if you are fully committed to attending and cancel only in exceptional and unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a sibling discount on any activities at this time.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer a sibling discount on any activities at this time.
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Who is the tutor?
Sessions are taught by Amanda Childs; a qualified and experienced teacher (QTS, PGCE science / Biology specialism) with postgraduate science qualification (MSc Applied Entomology) and a total of over twelve years experience teaching exam level science (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge specifications); engaging students in STEM subjects (ages 3 to 16); working with primary and secondary schools and collaborating with Universities to provide training and collaboration. Amanda has over six years experience working closely with the home-educating community and extensive experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, as well as certification for "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties". Prior to teaching, Amanda worked in agrochemical research and in animal welfare research, training teams of adult researchers across seven developing countries. |
Credentials
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fourteen 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
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
✅ Qualified Teacher Status (QTS: PGCE Science)
✅ Postgraduate level Science: MSc.
✅ Certified in "Autism Awareness in Education"
✅ Certified in "Working with children with disabilities and learning difficulties"
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ Enhanced DBS
✅ Safeguarding certified (Level 3 DSL)
✅ Paediatric first aid qualification (OFQAL certified Level 3)
✅ Over fourteen 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
✅ Nine years of experience working in biological research
✅ Comprehensive public liability insurance
What do they learn?
8-12s group:
Through a range of demonstrations and student-led explorations, activities and challenges, participants will be 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'll be 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 ‘core 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.
8-12s group:
Through a range of demonstrations and student-led explorations, activities and challenges, participants will be 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'll be 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 ‘core 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.
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.
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.
How do you support students with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)?
With years of experience teaching children with a range of needs, and as a parent of a child with SEND myself, I understand how important it is to feel confident that an education provider will do everything possible to meet the needs of your child. I will always work with you to try to find solutions and overcome barriers. Your input and suggestions are valuable and I always endeavour to work closely with parents and carers to create and implement an individualised support strategy for your child.
Amanda Childs (owner of Sparking STEM)
Please ensure that you mention any SEND or medical needs (including allergies) when you complete the registration form provided. The more information you offer the better. Where it may be helpful, we will follow up your registration with further communications to build an individualised support strategy for your child before their first session.
Please also ensure that you include information about any medications your child may require, such as inhalers / epipens etc. It is the responsibility of the parent / carer to ensure that these medications are within date and provided with the child during a session, and that the facilitator is informed of their location. Please see Terms and Conditions.
Knowing what to expect
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"
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ 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.
With years of experience teaching children with a range of needs, and as a parent of a child with SEND myself, I understand how important it is to feel confident that an education provider will do everything possible to meet the needs of your child. I will always work with you to try to find solutions and overcome barriers. Your input and suggestions are valuable and I always endeavour to work closely with parents and carers to create and implement an individualised support strategy for your child.
Amanda Childs (owner of Sparking STEM)
Please ensure that you mention any SEND or medical needs (including allergies) when you complete the registration form provided. The more information you offer the better. Where it may be helpful, we will follow up your registration with further communications to build an individualised support strategy for your child before their first session.
Please also ensure that you include information about any medications your child may require, such as inhalers / epipens etc. It is the responsibility of the parent / carer to ensure that these medications are within date and provided with the child during a session, and that the facilitator is informed of their location. Please see Terms and Conditions.
Knowing what to expect
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"
✅ Science Education Provider of the Year (Yorkshire Prestige Award winner 22/23)
✅ 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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"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
Do we need to bring anything or prepare?
All equipment is provided.
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).
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.
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 sessions though many students find it helpful to have some prior knowledge of the topic before the session.
All equipment is provided.
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).
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.
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 sessions though many students find it helpful to have some prior knowledge of the topic before the session.
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.
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.
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.
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, which is updated continually and adopts a cautious approach, taking into account local infection rates and guidance as they develop.
All fees will be fully refunded if is necessary to cancel sessions due to COVID19.
Please read the Hygiene and infection control policy for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well.
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, which is updated continually and adopts a cautious approach, taking into account local infection rates and guidance as they develop.
All fees will be fully refunded if is necessary to cancel sessions due to COVID19.
Please read the Hygiene and infection control policy for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
