July 22, 2019
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) underpins the curriculum in the EYFS, ensuring our girls have a varied landscape of aspirations for the future.
Reception class cover a challenging Science curriculum utilising the expertise of the EYFS team and Science teachers in Key Stage 2. We recently covered the topic of ‘Space’ which captivated the girls so much that a visit to the Centre for Life was promptly organised to extend the girls’ thirst for learning.
Upon arrival, the girls received a learning session in the impressive planetarium with a focus on subject knowledge about planets and stars. It was fantastic to see them building upon their existing knowledge that they had gained during Science challenges set both at home and in the classroom, filtering through into their responses.
The girls then completed a workshop whereby they had to predict which rocket would go the furthest by examining the size, material and shape of the different objects. There was some incredibly descriptive dialogue noted during this activitiy as they discussed aerodynamic properties.
Girls then used their creative flair to complete pictures using subject knowledge about star constellations; the sustained focus and outcomes were outstanding. The visit culminated with lunch at the Centre for Life, which was a highlight for the girls, they always enjoy this part of an educational visit!
What would an engineer do? Ask Reception!
Two Reception girls, Poppy and Bo, were recently recognised as winners in their category at the North East regional ‘Primary Leaders Award 2019: If you were an engineer what would you do?’. Anabelle Hall and Scarlett McDonald’s ideas were also shortlisted and they received distinctions for their designs.
Poppy Charlton chose to identify a solution to a problem faced at home by her brother. She completed a detailed idea by designing an illuminated glasses-stand that would help him to locate his glasses during the night when he needed them. What a fabulous idea!
Bo Joynson utilised her prior experience of going to the doctors and having her immunisation injections and wanted to show empathy to children her age by designing a child-friendly character design to cover the injection needle. Another wonderful and thoughtful idea!
Both girls, along with Cameron Haydon in Year 3 represented NHSG at the Award Winners’ Ceremony held at Sunderland University. We are all so proud of them. Well done, girls!