Written by Mrs Kate Pink, Assistant Head – Staff Development (GP)
At the heart of Science and STEM learning at Surbiton High School Girls’ Prep School, an independent private school in Surrey, lies our vision: to ignite curiosity and wonder in every girl, encouraging them to explore and question the world around them through meaningful, real-life connections. Science is not just about facts and formulas—it is about discovery, creativity, and understanding how things work. Our aim is to make learning enjoyable and inspiring, offering enriching and challenging experiences that build confidence and a strong foundation in both scientific concepts and enquiry skills. By developing girls’ Learning Powers and science capital, we strive to equip them with the knowledge, thinking skills, and enthusiasm needed to thrive in an ever-changing scientific world.
Curiosity in Action Across the Girls’ Prep School
Across our Girls’ Prep School, pupils are demonstrating this curiosity every day. From our youngest learners in Reception to our oldest in Year 6, the girls are devising their own questions to investigate, learning from their explorations and discoveries—even when things don’t go according to plan! This spirit of enquiry is central to our approach, helping the girls understand that science is as much about the process as it is about the outcome.
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, our pupils have a range of opportunities to extend their scientific thinking through a vibrant variety of cross-curricular clubs. These include EYFS Sensory Science, KS1 Science Club, Robotics, Mindlab, Coding Club, and STEM Club. Each club provides a space for the girls to apply their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in new and exciting ways.
Inspiring Experiences Across the School
Last term was filled with inspiring Science and STEM experiences across the prep school. In EYFS, pupils explored the topic of “People Who Help Us,” meeting real-life heroes such as doctors and pilots who shared how science and technology play vital roles in their jobs. Year 1 enjoyed an engaging trip to the Science Museum, where they explored hands-on exhibits and deepened their understanding of how science shapes the world around them. Meanwhile, Years 3 and 5 were thrilled to welcome back Liz Tinlin, a STEM Ambassador, whose incredible knowledge of Earth and Space captivated pupils and sparked fascinating discussions about our planet, the solar system, and the wonders beyond.
Developing Inquiry Through STEM Club
After spending last term exploring our “Smashing Stereotypes” scientists, who we celebrate through our STEM Wall art poster, members of STEM Club are now devising their own curious questions, inspired by The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions. They are preparing to investigate and present their findings at the Senior School Science Fair in March, where their creativity and scientific thinking will be on full display.
Looking ahead, excitement is building for our upcoming STEM Week, running from 9 – 13 March. This year’s theme, Curiosity and Smashing Stereotypes, will see each class investigating a range of curious questions designed to challenge thinking and inspire wonder. STEM Club will once again take to the stage with an entertaining and informative assembly, while a special marketplace event for Years 3–6 will welcome parents and ex-alumni to share how STEM subjects shape their careers. Alongside this, a variety of competitions and activities will run throughout the week, ensuring that every pupil has the chance to experience the joy of scientific discovery.
Through all these experiences, Science and STEM continue to flourish across Surbiton High School Girls’ Prep School, fuelling curiosity, building confidence, and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
