Crown Woods School has won a prestigious national award in recognition of its innovative science teaching.
The secondary school in Eltham beat eight other finalists to win the first Rolls Royce Science Prize. They impressed the panel of judges with a creative proposal to introduce mock crime scenes into science lessons.
Students examined and analysed evidence including fingerprints and imprints. The project increased skills in:
- scientific enquiry
- motivation
- literacy
- presenting information in a clear format.
The project involved the whole school and inspired lessons in other subjects such as English, Maths and Drama.
The prize
Teachers from the school were awarded £15,000 to invest in science education, they also won a special day out with the Red Arrows.
Hard work and leadership
Mike Murphy, Head teacher at Crown Woods School, said:
"I am absolutely delighted with this remarkable achievement. The Rolls Royce prize is a highly prestigious and highly competitive award and our success is due to the outstanding leadership shown by the project leader Ms Findlay, the outstanding teaching not just in Science but across the curriculum and the hard work of our students."
Dr Derek Bell, Chief Executive of the Association for Science Education, said:
"Crown Woods School presented a project that embodied the ethos of the Science Prize. Not only did it reflect the creativity and enthusiasm of the teachers, but it also appealed to the imagination of its pupils. It raised a broad interest in science, and a motivation to learn through analysis and investigation.
"Importantly, it involved other subjects making the project inclusive and cross curricular, demonstrating how science can relate to our wider culture and society."
6 July 2006