Hands-On Learning!

This exciting, off-timetable morning for the Prep children highlighted the sheer joy of problem solving in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Drawing upon the expertise of both staff and parents, a broad array of activities was provided including Musical Bananas, Grid Defender, Microbit programming and Code Cracking. Groups of children built and tested newspaper bridges and towers, dropped carefully wrapped eggs off fire escapes, experienced a scary VR roller coaster ride, experimented with hi-tech Dyson fans and learned about creating and storing electricity. Armed with their screwdrivers, they dismantled microwaves and televisions, computers and a whole host of smaller electrical items; the playground was awash with small electrical components. A highlight, though, had to be watching two endearing little robots performing a complex set of tai chi moves in response to a word of command, causing one child to remark, “I’m not going to have children, I’m going to have these!” Many thanks to Mrs Holland, the volunteers from GCHQ, and everyone else who gave their time to ensure the success of this memorable and worthwhile day.