Latest News | Hugh Sexey C of E Middle School

Year 8 STEM workshop: design and build challenge.

Wed 26 Jan 2022 Miss Latti

On Tuesday 25th January, the Science and DT Faculty invited a group of 30 Year 8 pupils to participate in an exciting STEM workshop which was hosted by a company called STEMworks on behalf of EDF Energy.

During the first part of the workshop pupils discussed how we generate electricity. Pupils learnt about the way in which we generate energy is having a significant impact on the environment, therefore EDF energy have started looking at sustainable sources so they can reduce 100% of carbon emissions by 2050.

During the second part of the workshop pupils learnt how Hinckley Point C is being constructed and about careers linked to electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, construction, logistics and project management.

Pupils were then set an exciting team challenge: Design and make a structure that can lift, manoeuvre and position a roof on top of a model nuclear reactor chamber.

The structure must be made from the resources provided in the team kit.

Pupils learnt what skills they would need to use as part of the team challenge and why good communication, team working, problem solving and organisation are known as employability skills.

Before starting the challenge pupils worked their way through the design process. First of all they analysed the problem. Pupils identified key points to consider such as the strength of the structure, the weight of the crane and roof that is being moved, clearance height and roof size. Pupils then wrote a design specification by including a set of criteria points that their design needed to meet and produced some design ideas for the overall structure. Once complete pupils had to delegate key roles to each member of their team which included a team manager, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer and structural engineer. Once roles had been assigned pupils were given two hours to create their structure using plastic Meccano, incorporating an electronic circuit and pulley mechanism.

At the end of the workshop each group had to present their finished structure and explain how they created it, what went well during the construction process and what improvements could be made.

Pupils commented on how much they enjoyed being able to think creatively whilst using problem solving, teamwork and communication skills to design and build a suitable outcome. Miss Latti stated “This workshop was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to apply real-world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in a fun way. Pupils were encouraged to consider studying STEM subjects and pursue careers within the engineering and technology sectors. I hope the pupils feel inspired.”

Wedmore v Weare football @ HSMS

Mon 24 Jan 2022 Mrs Allen

Wednesday 19th January

It was lovely to welcome two of the first schools to a football festival on the MUGA last week. Each school brought two teams- one boys' and one girls' team. The year eight sports leaders refereed and also acted as coaches and motivators for the younger children.

It was a competitive event with an excellent standard of play from the stars of tomorrow.

Teachers and parents praised the year eight pupils on their leadership. It was great to see the encouragement and the warm rapport between the older pupils and the younger ones .

We shall look forward to the next festival when we can welcome more first schools to our events.

Exotic animals visit Year 6

Mon 24 Jan 2022 Miss Crossland

Year 6 had some very exciting visitors this week as part of our Living Things and Jungle Book topics. We enjoyed getting up close and learning about the Burmese python, cane toad, Bosc monitor lizard, meerkat, skunk and Charlotte the tarantula. Even the teachers got involved although some had to put on a brave face to be so up close and personal! Our pupils 'have a go' attitude never fails to amaze us as some children conquered their fears to experience these beautiful creatures in such close proximity. We can't wait to learn more about these animals and use this experience to inspire our writing this term!

HSMS Equestrian Team qualify for the National Championships.

Mon 24 Jan 2022 Mrs Bury

It was an early start for the HSMS Equestrian Team at the weekend as they headed to Budleigh Salterton to compete. It was a successful day for our riders:

Theo came 1st in his individual class and Hattie came 4th in her class. The HSMS team -Theo, Hattie, Lulu and Leah - also rode and jumped really well, coming 1st in their team event. As well as winning their team event they also qualified for the 'arena eventing' National Championships; a great day all round.

Hugh Sexey Equestrian Team Update.

Tue 11 Jan 2022 Mrs Bury

The pupils who make up the Hugh Sexey Equestrian Team have been riding and jumping really well and the team is currently on the leaders board, up with schools such as Clifton College, Sidcot, Millfield and Stonar to name but a few.

Ferris, Lulu, Ruby, Iris, Hattie, Theo and Leah have all gained a place on the British Showjuumping Just For Schools league table, which makes them eligible for the Spring Championships; they will be travelling to Wales for the competition in March.

Last weekend Lulu also qualified for the NSEA (National Schools' Equestrian Association) arena eventing championships. These are held in October, so there is still plenty of time for more of the team members to qualify as well.

Year 8 Bake Off

Wed 05 Jan 2022 Miss Latti

Year 8 pupils thoroughly enjoyed participating in the annual Hugh Sexey Bake Off over the course of last term. Pupils demonstrated fantastic creativity, presentation and technical baking skills whilst creating their baked food product within the 1 hour timescale given.