Encouraging Small People to Think Big

Hi there, I am a proud member of the Association of Science Education (ASE) 'Primary Science Journal' (PSJ) Editorial Board and really love contributing to the journal, regarding issues I feel passionately about that relate to Science/STEM education. Although I had not written a journal article before, I was so pleased when my work was published in the PSJ January 2019 issue 'Curiosity', with support and encouragement from the wonderful Dr Leigh Hoath (and other colleagues). Leigh was PSJ Editor until recently succeeded by Robert Collins. This has undoubtedly enabled me to develop in my role as Science Lead at our school and in becoming a Primary Science Consultant in a wider way.  Articles have included 'Developing the Engineering in STEM' (Issue 161, Jan/Feb 2020) which shared ongoing development of Primary Engineering learning at my school (Burlington Junior School in Bridlington) with our partners, SEERIH/ The Royal Academy of Engineering. Also, 'A Coast...

Environmental/ Climate Change Education   In this time of uncertainly regarding our climate and increasing negative environmental issues (in my learned experience) children want to know what they can do to help? They are confused about why more is not being done by adults- especially those in power. Increasing mental health and well-being issues are visible, compounded by COVID 19 and climate anxiety. This is the most important issue/challenge that we face and I feel passionately that we must engage and empower our children with knowledge as they develop into the adults of tomorrow who will inherit responsibility for our planet.   Strategies to begin to address/de-mystify the issues in school. At our junior school in East Yorkshire, we are working hard to provide opportunities to support our pupils in actively recycling, leading a more sustainable/cyclical lifestyle and learning about relevant issues in their own locality. We use ‘ Picture News’ , an excellent assembly resourc...

Maker Education Maker Futures work completed at home during Lockdown 1. I have become so passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Education over the last 5 years- having been inspired during my ongoing Primary Science Education learning journey.    I was really impressed when I met Dr Alison Buxton and learned about Maker Education (which has become increasingly popular in this country after being developed in the USA). She is an expert in her field and feels passionately about supporting children, particularly from under-represented groups, in engineering.  It made real sense to me that we should continue to support our pupils at school with skills including cutting, creating and building- these seem to have had a diminished focus in education more recently, in favour of more academic study. These are core skills required in life and when learning, so to develop resilience, patience, determination and problem solving skills.   Initiall...

Our recent OFSTED Inspection September 2021 GOOD   Science-Strong   Since I joined our school, our team have been working to get to OFSTED recognised ‘good’. We were due an inspection anytime when Covid19 hit. During lockdown we had an online inspection and subsequently, when we started this academic year in September, we knew a visit was imminent.   OFSTED arrived and as part of their visit we had a Science ‘deep dive’ in the third week of the Autumn term.    I thought I would share some of the key points raised so to give an insight for colleagues/ fellow Science Leads at you head towards inspections in your own educational settings!    I was asked to provide vital documents to the inspectors by 9am on the day, including-   Action plan  (we are currently undertaking Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) Outreach so this was full of ongoing actions) Progression document - ours highlights vocabulary, misconceptions, whether the lesson is chemis...

Hello. I started out writing this whilst feeling sad and reflective and yet ended up thinking about what a brilliant group of friends and amazing family I have- and how Covid has brought the best out in so many people and places. I usually write about work related topics on my blog, but because we have been going through such a difficult time with Covid 19, and because I have had some time to reflect on the journey so far, I decided to share my thoughts here. I realise every family has important stories to tell; I think and hope this is going to help me to be positive and manage a day of uncertainty today! Covid 19-  Jonathan After nearly 18 months of living with- and understanding more about- Covid 19, my family have been hit increasingly hard in the last few weeks by this horrendous virus. My brother Jonathan, who has multiple Special Educational Needs, is currently in one of the high dependency wards at Hull Royal Infirmary battling Covid and pneumonia- in a stable condition. As...