Big Bang at Victory Academy, Kent hailed huge success

The Victory Academy, a mixed secondary school and sixth form in Chatham, Kent, was thrilled to receive support from Engineering UK's Big Bang at Schools programme.

The school's ethos of 'Respect, Pride, and Belief' aims to equip students with the best tools and opportunities for academic and professional success, regardless of background. In recent years, the school has focused on expanding its science department and raising awareness of STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) in everyday life and careers.

On Monday 15th July, 450 students in Years 7 and 8 participated in a Big Bang at School event themed around the NHS. The students engaged in cross-curricular, hands-on activities encompassing Science, Maths, English, History, Ambitions, and the Arts.

Each student received a workbook filled with activities to complete in each lesson. These included making a nurse's cap, using a Snellen test and decorating the school playground with chalk drawings celebrating the NHS. Presentations from healthcare professionals were integrated into the lessons.

For numeracy, Year 7 students investigated the percentages of the population suffering from specific diseases, numeracy tests for NHS workers, and the number of hospital beds per ward. Year 8 students examined healthy diets, pie charts, and daily calorie intake percentages for each food group.

In History, both groups explored the development of the NHS. Year 7 studied the discovery of DNA and its significance, while Year 8 examined the history of IVF treatments. Both groups discussed future challenges for the NHS.

For literacy, both groups considered the importance of literacy in the NHS. Year 7 students reviewed articles and questions about the MMR vaccine, while Year 8 students explored articles on stress and its physical manifestations.

During the Arts sessions, Year 7 students studied music and art therapy, while Year 8 focused on coloring activities, mindfulness, and drama therapy, considering their roles in palliative care. Both groups participated in a competition to design a flag for the NHS.

In the Ambitions sessions, Year 7 students learned about dentistry, studying tooth structure, oral hygiene, and how to become a dentist. Year 8 students studied the structure of the eye, the Snellen test, and how to become an optician.

All students also participated in a CPR workshop, learning how to perform CPR on a mannequin. A trained first aid provider instructed them on how to respond to medical emergencies.

The Regional Director for the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, Michelle, said: "I was incredibly impressed by the Year 7 and 8 students who listened attentively and participated actively in the practical sessions. They learned when and why CPR is needed and how to get support quickly."

Daniella, Second in Charge of Science at Victory Academy, commented: "The day was well organised and a great success, with students thoroughly enjoying all the activities."

Students had an amazing time learning about the NHS and its future opportunities. Some of their comments included: "It was really good, and I enjoyed every bit of every lesson," "I liked the CPR because we learned how to save someone's life," and "It’s helpful to know more about the NHS and what it has been through and how to work in the NHS."

Staff feedback was equally positive: "The event was brilliant, with relevant activities pitched appropriately for the year groups. Feedback in the corridors was very positive, with students saying the lessons were interesting and fun," and "The lessons I taught were well-planned and went down really well with the students. They found it interesting, and so did I. Well done," and "NHS Day was interactive and creative, with kids enthusiastically sharing their ideas and thoughts. It was heartwarming to see them express their views. The event was extremely informative, making it enjoyable for both teachers and students."

Victory Academy expressed its gratitude to EngineeringUK and The STEM Hub for the opportunity and is looking forward to building on this great success.

Images: Victory Academy

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