Where is it?
When is it?
How much does it cost?
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?
Booking and registration
Photography
Please see the following relevant policies:
(Registrations cannot be accepted without agreement to these policies)
Code of conduct
Covid19
Terms and Conditions
Privacy policy
When is it?
How much does it cost?
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?
Booking and registration
Photography
Please see the following relevant policies:
(Registrations cannot be accepted without agreement to these policies)
Code of conduct
Covid19
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 modules run annually January to March. The 2022 modules are now complete and the 2023 schedule will be available shortly. If you would like to be notified when further information about the 2023 schedule is available complete this quick form.
Mondays 10 - 12am during January, February and March 2022.
The schedule for 2022 is as follows:
Practical Science modules run annually January to March. The 2022 modules are now complete and the 2023 schedule will be available shortly. If you would like to be notified when further information about the 2023 schedule is available complete this quick form.
Mondays 10 - 12am during January, February and March 2022.
The schedule for 2022 is as follows:
Who is it suitable for?
These sessions offer older students the opportunity to develop their experimental understanding, technical skills and scientific knowledge at the same time as offering more 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. 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 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 fifteen 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.
Do you have a younger child who would enjoy similar sessions tailored for a younger age (8-11 as a guide)? Please let us know if so as we are considering building this in to the plans for January to March 2023.
These sessions offer older students the opportunity to develop their experimental understanding, technical skills and scientific knowledge at the same time as offering more 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. 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 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 fifteen 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.
Do you have a younger child who would enjoy similar sessions tailored for a younger age (8-11 as a guide)? Please let us know if so as we are considering building this in to the plans for January to March 2023.
Which specification / exam board?
The 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 (none 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 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 (none 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 Chemistry or 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 Chemistry or 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 is ten.
The maximum number of students is ten.
How much does it cost?
2022 prices:
Individual sessions can be booked for £29 per two-hour session (14.50 per hour). This includes:
A module (three sessions / six hours of tuition) can be booked at the discounted rate of £78
All fees would be fully refunded if it became necessary to cancel sessions due to COVID (please see the full Covid19 policy here)
2022 prices:
Individual sessions can be booked for £29 per two-hour session (14.50 per hour). This includes:
- Tuition and guidance from a fully qualified (PGCE) science teacher with over 12 years teaching experience (11-18s) and over five years experience working closely with the home-educating community.
- All equipment, materials and resources for two hours of practical, experimental science and activity-focused tuition.
- Exam questions and resources to take home
- Room hire, tax, full public liability insurance and hand gel!
A module (three sessions / six hours of tuition) can be booked at the discounted rate of £78
All fees would be fully refunded if it became necessary to cancel sessions due to COVID (please see the full Covid19 policy here)
Can I reserve places or spread the cost?
Yes, if you are committed to attending but would like to book one module at a time and spread the payment out, you can reserve a place on a module (subject to availability) and then pay for your modules separately without fear of losing your place. This option is only available for module bookings and not individual sessions.
If you would like to reserve a place on a module, please just email Sparking STEM and let us know which modules you would like to reserve and for how many students. We ask that you bear in mind that by reserving a place you may be depriving another of the opportunity to book, so please only ask to reserve if you are committed to booking. You will then be sent a personalised booking page where you will be able to book your reserved places at a time that suits you, subject to the following terms:
Yes, if you are committed to attending but would like to book one module at a time and spread the payment out, you can reserve a place on a module (subject to availability) and then pay for your modules separately without fear of losing your place. This option is only available for module bookings and not individual sessions.
If you would like to reserve a place on a module, please just email Sparking STEM and let us know which modules you would like to reserve and for how many students. We ask that you bear in mind that by reserving a place you may be depriving another of the opportunity to book, so please only ask to reserve if you are committed to booking. You will then be sent a personalised booking page where you will be able to book your reserved places at a time that suits you, subject to the following terms:
- Payment in full is required at least two week's before the start of each module
- Please provide at least two week's notice by email before the start date of a module, if the place is no longer required.
- In the event that a reserved place is not paid for in full or cancelled with sufficient notice as detailed above, Sparking STEM reserves the right to refuse future bookings for any Sparking STEM sessions,
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.
Who is the tutor?
The 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. Prior to this, Amanda has worked in agrochemical research and in animal welfare research, training teams of adult researchers across seven developing countries.
The 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. Prior to this, Amanda has worked in agrochemical research and in animal welfare research, training teams of adult researchers across seven developing countries.
What do they learn?
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.
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 plan 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 plan 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.
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 plan 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 plan 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.
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. 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 we will need to keep windows open for ventilation in line with the Covid policy. 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. It is a good idea to avoid wearing clothes that you would mind getting messy.
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. 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 we will need to keep windows open for ventilation in line with the Covid policy. 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. It is a good idea to avoid wearing clothes that you would mind getting messy.
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 unless due to the reasons (please see the covid policy for details, we thank you for respecting this trust-based measure, which is intended to encourage everyone to act responsibly and reduce the spread of covid).
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 unless due to the reasons (please see the covid policy for details, we thank you for respecting this trust-based measure, which is intended to encourage everyone to act responsibly and reduce the spread of covid).
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 COVID19 policy for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well.
What about COVID19?
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 full COVID19 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.
If students are unable to attend due to COVID19 full refunds would be offered.
Please read the COVID19 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 full COVID19 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.
If students are unable to attend due to COVID19 full refunds would be offered.
Please read the COVID19 policy for details of the the measures being taken to keep everyone safe and well.
Booking and registration
Places can be booked for individual sessions or by the module (three sessions) through the booking page using major credit cards and Google Pay.
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 for individual sessions or by the module (three sessions) through the booking page using major credit cards and Google Pay.
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.
