Posted on: 23/09/2026Posted on: September 23rd 2026
Bishop Wand School at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2026
Mrs Lee, our Head of Physics, ran a fantastic project on air quality for over a year, in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory and our STEM students funded by a Royal Society Partnership Grant for schools.
On the 2nd and 3rd July 2026, led by Mrs Hanson and Mr Hanson (the Outreach Manager of the NPL), our team presented their work at the very prestigious Royal Society Summer Exhibition, which is a first for our School. Students included: Iris, Abby, Jason, Annabelle, Jasmine, Muhammad, Bradley, Bethel, Jude, Ben. Also heavily involved but not able to attend were Sophie, Robin and Lizzie. They have all achieved momentous work using the scientific method. Some of these students attended the evening soirée along with dignitaries and fellows of the Royal Society where traditionally the leading lights of STEM showcase their latest research and breakthroughs. For example, visitors in 1896 had their hands x-rayed while those in 1910 could view novel pictures of Halley’s Comet. New technology such as Thomas Edison’s incandescent lamps were exhibited in 1889 while Captain Scott’s Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica in 1914 showcased natural history specimens. Today, researchers from across the UK exhibit their cutting-edge research.
Our project compared the performance of several models of air quality monitor, which were used to measure pollutants across the School environment over the course of a year. The poorest air quality proved to be in the boys’ sports changing room, due to a combination of the enclosed space and “the Lynx Effect”. The best air quality was found in the woodworking room, with its active air scrubbing system. The results also showed that pollution levels were higher in summer than in winter.
As a result of the research, improvements to air quality at the School have included the addition of “No Idling” signs at car drop-off points.
The School was proud of the students’ engagement throughout the project, with one student writing an extended EPQ on a related topic. For most, this was their first time representing the school at a public-facing event, and they shone in promoting our school’s work in STEM.
Demonstrations on the stand included a set of 3D-printed models to help visitors understand the scales of what was being measured, a map of the school with a “spot the worst and best air” challenge, an Air Quality Top Trumps card game, and the poster (which you can view here).
The event was an excellent opportunity to promote metrology through a valuable collaboration with NPL, whose workforce includes several of our alumni.
Mrs S Hanson
Teacher of Science
