On Monday early years enjoyed a visit from the Ivydale Science and Technology Workshop. The sessions were led by Paul Newham, who was accompanied by all sorts of spikey, scaley and crawly creatures.

The children in reception enjoyed a design technology workshop, where they learnt how to make and create wind up toys. The theme was creepy crawlies, and great fun was had by all! The children developed their own “scuttlebugs”, through a particularly hands on and practical approach, and they were all very proud of their newly created species! Cardboard, cotton reels, pipe cleaners and elastic bands were all put to good use, as the bugs gradually came to life. The session culminated in a “scuttlebug” race across the classroom, and we were surprised to see how quickly the models moved! The bugs then enjoyed a well earned rest, before being taken home at the end of the day!

After play, the children in nursery and Pre prep, joined in with the activities, as the whole department enjoyed an animal and insect show. The snakes, stick insects, millipedes, lizards, and even spiders were an unusual but very much welcome sight in our classrooms, with nearly all the children volunteering to hold and look after the creepy crawly visitors. We learned all about where they came from, and how to look after them, as well as some of their more disgusting habits! All the children had a wonderful time, and even some of the staff overcame their fears!

It was a wonderful start to our science and technology week, and set the mood for all of the exciting investigations and opportunities that we have planned over the next few days!

(More photos...)