Our Science Block is a core learning facility for our 650-strong cohort of students. Built in 1908 and renovated in the 1970s, it is now tired and outdated. With our planned revitalization of the labs, we are seeking to inspire our Sidcot Scientists to be STEM changemakers of the future and to reinvigorate this vital part of the School, for generations to come.

Why this matters

Generations have been inspired by a Science education at Sidcot, including Mary Brazier, Neuroscientist, George Newman, first Chief Medical Officer, Professor Tony Watts, Marine Geologist, and Professor Peter Openshaw, Immunologist.

Recent leaver Cressida Hoddell, Class of 2021 comments:  

“Through the dedication and hard work of my science teachers, I was inspired to undertake a Biological Science degree at the University of Exeter, instilling a passion in me that will continue throughout my life. I hope to enter the STEM world with a desire to help restore the environment, all thanks to the facilities, teaching and devotion from the Science department at Sidcot School. Only through the teaching at Sidcot, did I realise how much potential this subject area has. Not only for my future but for today’s modern world, where sustainability and the welfare of the planet is such a fundamental concern.”

Over seven weeks in the summer holidays, each of our five Science labs will be entirely renovated. Works to be carried out include new furniture and pod work stations with Belstone worktops, new suspended ceilings with LED lighting, improved gas and water access for experiments, new non-slip latex floors, new smartboards and three fume cupboards installed.  

So how can you help? The work is being funded by the School, with generous additional support from Old Scholars, parents, staff, friends and our wider School community. To enable everyone to get involved, we are currently creating a large-scale periodic table of Sidcotians for the Bevan Lean Science Centre foyer as a permanent centrepiece. Sidcotians, parents, staff and friends of the School can purchase an element for £500 and their name will be engraved under the element, with Sidcot dates as appropriate. We are hoping to secure a minimum of 88 elements by September so that the periodic table will be complete in time for students’ return to School for the autumn term. Each tile will be 15cm by 15cm, with a few examples of what they will look like in the gallery below.  

Elements are going fast so please contact the Development team via email development@sidcot.org.uk if you would like to get involved, or donate online here. And if we can’t convince you, perhaps here’s someone who can (and who has already claimed his!):

“Even great teachers need good facilities to help fire the imagination and curiosity of our young people. Many generations of students have been inspired by stories about science, by class demonstrations and by doing their own experiments at Sidcot. Indeed, my own curiosity was fed by memorable lessons in these very laboratories, but they need updating. A well-designed environment has a significant impact on the way we learn and interact, and I am delighted to endorse this project to revitalise the Sidcot Science Laboratories. Which of the chemical elements is your favourite? Choose one and claim it!” Peter Openshaw CBE, S: 1967 - 70, School Governor, and Professor of Experimental Medicine at Imperial College London

Many thanks to all of the Old Scholars, staff, parents and friends of the School who have already purchased elements. We are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support.

Case for Support - Be in your Element

In friendship,

Rachele & Sarah