Beyond the Laboratory

Learning science doesn't stop at the classroom door. We believe that real-world experiences are vital for bringing science to life and helping pupils see the relevance of what they learn in school. 

Some of the most exciting scientific discoveries happen right out in the open air! Learning science outside the laboratory — whether it’s hunting for mini-beasts on the school grounds, examining local rocks, or mapping trees in a park — turns the whole world into a giant, hands-on lab.

 Exploring outdoors helps you think like a true scientist by building essential skills: noticing small details, asking curious questions, taking accurate measurements, and discovering how nature works together. Science isn't just something that happens at a indoor desk—it happens everywhere you look!

S1/2 Science Club

We run a weekly Science club for S1 and S2 pupils, where they can get hands-on experience for experiments that go beyond the standard curriculum.

Joining the club is a fantastic way to make new friends who share your interests, boost your problem-solving skills, and have a lot of fun outside the classroom. No prior experience or advanced science background is needed — just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

Industry Links

To help pupils look toward their futures, we offer a range of trips and talk with local industries. Pupils hear first-hand how scientific knowledge and skills translates into exciting careers in Science and Technology.

Over the last year we have had many researchers, scientists and engineers involved in our pupils scientific education:

• SUERC National Radionuclide Laboratory 
• Glasgow University 
• NXP Semiconductor
• Coca-Cola

Competitions and Challenges

For pupils who love a challenge, we encourage participation in national competitions and STEM schemes. These opportunities allow students to showcase their problem-solving skills and build a real sense of achievement.

This year we had the joy of sending one of our S5 pupils to the University of Strathclyde to take part in the Accelerate Chemistry Challenge! The program allowed our pupil to spend a week in the university laboratories, synthesising and analysing paracetamol, in the same way undergraduates chemists do.  

Nuffield Research Placement

Once a year, we work with Nuffield and STEM Learning to offer S5 pupils, interested in STEM, a chance to get involved in a research or work placement. They are engaging, hands-on research projects, where pupils have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution and work alongside researchers and industry professionals.

This has many benefits to our S5 pupils:

• Develop your knowledge alongside STEM research Scientists and Engineers!
  
• Enhance your UCAS personal statements and applications to university!
  
• Refine technical capabilities, scientific writing, time management, and presentation skills

Over the last several years we had the privilege of sending many of our pupils to placements to perform research on a vast range of topics and areas of study.  

The Science Insights Programme

Science Insights provides an opportunity pupils to spend a week of their summer holidays following a varied programme of activities hosted by staff and students at four different University of Edinburgh campuses, gaining a real insight into research and work in many different areas of biological, biomedical and animal sciences.

Activities include:

• Tours of a range of scientific facilities on four University of Edinburgh campuses
• Presentations, workshops and discussions on topics including research ethics, the use of animals in research, and diversity and inclusion in science
• Opportunities to meet current University of Edinburgh students and researchers
• Small-group Science Taster Sessions, providing hands-on experience of real research and work in science
• Skills session to help with future university applications.

Edinburgh Zoo Science Summer School

The Science Summer School at Edinburgh Zoo is an immersive week-long educational programme run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). It is designed specifically for pupils from S4 to S6 to explore the workings of a modern zoo and careers in conservation and science.

• Practical Learning: Pupils engage in hands-on activities such as animal behaviour observations, collection planning, enclosure design, and learning about zoo veterinary practices.

• Expert Interaction: Throughout the week, participants work closely with various specialists from the RZSS family, including keepers, researchers, and veterinary staff.

• Research and Projects: Students conduct non-invasive observational research on assigned animal groups, learn about conservation science and collaborate on group presentations delivered on the final day.

Scottish Space School Programme

The Scottish Space School Programme runs in June and pupils attend a mix of space-themed lectures, labs and workshops. This is all delivered by leading academics and researchers from Strathclyde University, and supported by NASA astronauts and engineers who travel to the University to spend the week with the attendees.

 

Throughout the week, colleagues from the Engineering faculty at Strathclyde University offer a challenge which the pupils work in groups to complete. Groups are supported by a mentor who themselves attended Space School.

 

A core feature of the programme is the involvement of visiting NASA astronauts and engineers, who lead lectures, workshops, and small-group discussions to share their first-hand experiences of space exploration.