Discovering science the Westbourne Way

A  busy term for our Junior School scientists has seen them taking part in a special day to mark British Science Week and enjoying a Masterclass with pupils from neighbouring schools.

Here’s a report on both events from our Science Coordinator Cordelia King, who is passionate about giving all pupils the opportunity to engage with science and allow them to see themselves as a scientist.

Science Day 2022

Wizz, Pop, Bang! Our Science Day returned on March 17 to mark British Science Week 2022.

Our pupils were inspired by Dr Pritchard, ‘The Curator of Wonder’, who delivered workshops for children in EYFS to Year 6.

Children were given the opportunity to participate in magic scientific tricks and we were incredibly lucky to have several parents and carers deliver practical sessions to our pupils, from designing a Martian to building a solar-powered wind turbine.

Pupils also visited our science shop which centred around the theme of British Science Week, growth.

Ashley in Year 4 took great pleasure in creating a Martian figure out of modelling clay to take home.

Within class time, children investigated different scientific concepts linked to growth.

Year 5 looked at how microbes grow whilst Year 6 thought about the ideal habitat for a Gentoo penguin to grow.

A real highlight was watching the children marvel at their learning and become intrigued by the science behind it.

As part of the day, children entered the Science Day Poster Competition which saw pupils from EYFS to Year 6 draw pictures of scientists and engineers at work.

There were so many brilliant drawings! Congratulations to the winners: EYFS Emily Tallis, KS1 Calvin Harrop, KS2 Alexander Treby

The aim of the day was to inspire our pupils and broaden their perceptions of science. At Westbourne, we want our pupils to feel excited about science and understand that they too can be a scientist or an engineer.

We provide opportunities for our pupils to be scientists and engineers and encourage them to ask the ‘big questions’ both within their science lessons and through our extra-curricular science events.

Masterclass

Our eagerly awaited ‘Science Masterclass’ has been launched, with the aim of broadening children’s perceptions of scientists and engineers and promote mutual respect and friendships.

The masterclass saw pupils from Nethergreen and Dobcroft Junior school join together with four of our most enthusiastic scientists.

The pupils participated in a series of scientific challenges, including designing balloon rockets and building catapults, demonstrating excellent resilience.

Two further sessions will run in May which will see pupils engaging in scientific activities within our outdoor learning space, The Dell.

Our pupils modelled our school values of respect and inclusion to ensure our external guests had a brilliant time.

These classes will return again in the next academic year, where more pupils will be given the opportunity to develop their scientific thinking.

A particular highlight was the discussion and sharing of ideas between the pupils.