Students and staff at Lipson Co-operative Academy, are celebrating the exceptional efforts of Year 8 students who earned a remarkable opportunity to visit the University of Plymouth Marine Station. 

The students were rewarded for their outstanding commitment to their Sparx Science work, which helps to build scientific knowledge and understanding through personalised homework, with an action-packed day of scientific exploration and hands-on learning.

The trip included a series of exciting activities designed to deepen students' understanding of marine science and environmental conservation. 

Highlights of the day included:

• Examining plankton under the microscope and practicing scientific drawing
• Collaborating to clean up an 'oil spill' simulation in Antarctica
• Investigating the causes behind fish deaths in the Tamar Estuary

This immersive experience provided students with an invaluable insight into the world of marine science, fostering a sense of curiosity and environmental responsibility.

Dedicated to teaching and research, the Marine Station serves all the university’s marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology.

Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of their ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment. It is the base for their research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving.

The science curriculum at Lipson Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, aims to ignite curiosity, interest and enjoyment in students whilst furnishing them with the necessary skills to successfully explore the world around them. Lessons are designed to enable all learners to gain skills in biology, chemistry and physics in a theoretical and practical sense.

 Mr Martin Brook, Headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy said:

"We are incredibly proud of our Year 8 students for their dedication and commitment to their studies. Their enthusiasm for learning and passion for science shone through during this hands-on experience, and we are thrilled to see them develop both academically and personally. This trip not only deepened their understanding of marine science but also inspired them to think critically about the world around them."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to providing our students with exceptional learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. This visit to the University of Plymouth Marine Station is an excellent example of how our schools bring learning to life, enabling students to engage directly with real-world scientific challenges and cultivate a passion for environmental stewardship."