Oundle School recently welcomed 60 Year 5 and 6 pupils from 10 local primary schools to its SciTec science facilities to take part in a Gifted and Talented science event.
This annual event, held this year on 8th June, aims to highlight the importance of practical science and engineering by delivering hands-on experiments across all three sciences, as well as Design, Engineering and Technology (DET) to the visiting children.
Experiments included extracting cheek cell DNA (Biology), investigating crumple zones (Physics), separating mixtures (Chemistry) and robotics (DET). These activities enabled the young pupils to get a taste of higher level practical science, whilst at the same time retaining the fun element which is so important in maintaining the children’s interest.
Matt Sutterby (Oundle Primary) commented, “The children were ‘buzzing’ on their way back to school that afternoon and could not come up with a favourite activity of the day – they loved them all.”
The schools involved in the event were: Oundle CE Primary, Gladstone Primary Academy, Castor CE Primary School, Exeter Primary School, Woodnewton Primary School, St John’s Church School, Glapthorn Primary School, Warmington Primary School, Titchmarsh Primary School and Studfall Junior School.
Sanderson Fellow and event organiser at Oundle School, James Bessent commented, “One of our aims in building our science and engineering facilities was to reach out to pupils beyond Oundle and inspire them in scientific discovery. Today was a wonderful opportunity for primary school-aged children to experience more demanding experimental science and we hope they were both inspired and enthused by their day.”
If we are serious about producing the scientists of tomorrow, it is important to start investing in our young people today – Oli Peck, Head of Science at Oundle School
Head of Science at Oundle School, Oli Peck added, “If we are serious about producing the scientists of tomorrow, it is important to start investing in our young people today. Getting primary school pupils enthusiastic about science through practical work is an excellent way to develop their love not only of science, but also of learning.”
