A physics revision podcast is just one of the ways in which the science department at Sedgefield Community College is engaging students.

“Students listen to music on Spotify, so why not use this to our benefit?” says head of department Sarah Kidd.

Judge Jo Foster said: “The innovative use of technology, from Instagram to podcasts, helps students really engage with the subject beyond the classroom.

“Their focus on careers in science, technology, engineering and maths enhances the curriculum and encourages students to be aware of a world of opportunities waiting for them beyond the school gates.”

The popularity of science is reflected in GCSE results at the Stockton-on-Tees school where, in 2018-19, 76 per cent of students achieved grades 9 to 4 in combined science.

Kidd added: “This was a great achievement considering our cohort that year was 25 per cent disadvantaged students. A phrase you might hear at the beginning of a lesson, in science departments across the country, is ‘are we doing a practical today?’ followed by sighs if the answer is no. This does not happen at Sedgefield, where students love their lessons in science, whether that’s a practical or a theory lesson.”

Meanwhile, the physics podcast has paved the way for a Beyond the Curriculum science podcast, for which viewing figures on launch were described as “fantastic”. Chemistry and biology podcasts are now in the offing, too.

Foster added: “Sedgefield Community College demonstrates a real commitment to excellent outcomes for all students. A fantastic department and a very well-deserved award.”