#BritishScienceWeek saw pupils and teachers celebrating their involvement in Great Science Share for Schools in a truly wonderful way – by travelling to London to share their letters as part of the Great Shout Out for Science!
In 2024, GSSfS challenged you to write letters and reach a total of 200. You did it – we received significantly more than 200 and so, as promised, we took the letters to Westminster!
Travelling to London, one of the world’s most iconic cities, to campaign for science education is a journey of both purpose and passion. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and renowned academic institutions make it the perfect place to amplify the message that science education is vital to the future of society. From the bustling streets of Westminster to the halls of prestigious universities, London offers a unique platform to make a difference.
What is the Great Shout Out for Science?
This enrichment activity encourages pupils of all ages to write and share a letter to make a great noise about why science is important in our lives, now and in the future.
Manchester Piccadilly Station
What did we do?
Meeting bright and early at Manchester Piccadilly train station, we travelled down to London, bringing with us letters written by pupils from all over the UK, to present to James Frith MP and discuss their content with him, and learned bodies and STEM institutions across London.
Science education isn’t just about teaching chemistry, physics, and biology. It’s about fostering a sense of curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It’s about preparing the next generation for challenges like climate change, medical advancements, and technological innovation. We were going to Shout Out for Science!
10 for 10!
This year marks 10 years of Great Science Share for Schools, so to celebrate we visited, and were joined by representatives of, 10 prestigious STEM institutions on our journey around London:
Walk and Talk
Joining us at Euston train Station were Kulvinder Johal from Primary Science Teaching Trust, Dr Jo Montgomery, and Leigh Baildham from The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers. They walked with the pupils and chatted to them about what they love about science and what changes they would like to see within their curriculum.
Outside the Institute of Physics
2. Institute of Physics
First stop, The Institute of Physics. The pupils were met by Alex Tanner, Learning Manager, who asked about their letters and why they were visiting London. Alex spoke to the children about physics and what their interests were. An interesting discussion was had about spacecrafts and gravity!
3. Westminster Hall
Next stop, Westminster Hall. Having arrived at the magnificent Westminster Hall, we were ushered through high security before entering the room where the late Queen lay in state, before filing past the room where news reporters stand to interview Members of Parliament – fascinating!
We were there to meet James Frith MP in a room overlooking the River Thames. He asked us about our day and the reasons why we had travelled to London. He listened to some of our letters, discussed our hopes for science education in the future and what our other passions in school were. All pupils were passionate about how important science is for future jobs and careers and teachers explained some of the challenges for science education in primary and secondary schools. James agreed to putting our concerns forward to parliament and to discuss our hopes and recommendations in future conversations with his colleagues.
Inside Westminster Hall
Around the table with James Frith MP
4. Downing Street
Next stop, Downing Street. After a brief lunch stop, we made our way to Downing Street to meet Stockport MP, Navendu Mishra.
Outside 10 Downing Street
Visiting Downing Street is a unique experience, offering a glimpse into one of the most iconic addresses in the world, home to the Prime Minister’s residence and offices, including the famous Number 10. We couldn’t resist lots of pictures outside its iconic black door!
Security is high, with barriers and armed guards ensuring that only authorised personnel are allowed entry. Though you can’t enter the buildings, seeing the famous door up close and imagining the political decisions made behind it is an intriguing experience for pupils, teachers and the GSSfS team alike! We chatted to Navendu Mishra MP about the Great Shout Out for Science and he listened to the views of the pupils.
During the afternoon, we split into 3 groups and visited the remaining 6 institutions across London, sharing our letters and having discussions with staff and representatives .
Follow our journey in pictures below…
Pupils were welcomed by the British Science Association, the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Geological Society, The Royal Institution, the Royal Academy of Engineering, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, and The Royal Society.
How to get involved
Celebrate 10 years of GSSfS by sharing your voice! Sign up to this year’s Great Shout Out for Science.
Pupils could answer key questions including:
What do you like about learning science?
What has been your favourite science enquiry you’ve done in school?
What kinds of things do you want to do more of in science?
Why is science important to everyone in our school and world?
Why is science important to you now, and for the future?
Email your letters as photos or scans to greatscishare@manchester.ac.uk.
Send your letters by the 17th June 2025.
We will profile pupils’ views on the Great Science Share for Schools website and on social media.
Remember to share your experiences using the hashtags #GSSfS2025 #GreatShoutOutforScience.
