Q&A with Rebecca Mills, Year 6 teacher & science subject lead at Langney Primary Academy
Tell us about your school
Langney Primary Academy is part of the Swale Academy Trust. Located in the South East of England in the coastal town of Eastbourne, Langney is identified as an area of high deprivation and the school has 36% of pupils eligible for pupil premium. Our school is committed to a broad and balance curriculum, and preparing our children for the future. Science is currently a whole school priority, with the aim of raising its profile, exploring its importance in our futures, inspiring interest, increasing confidence and opening up opportunities for all of our students.
What event did you run with the British Science Week Grant? How did you use the funding?
During British Science Week, small groups of children in years 4 – 6 worked on a project focused on innovative approaches to growing plants, with the aim of showing that science and technology is relevant in all of our lives and accessible to all. The children who took part were a mixture of our science subject lead pupils and pupil premium children with an interest or aptitude for science. We wanted to give these children the opportunity to become experts in something new that they could then share and teach to others. Using the Kick Start Grant, we purchased some hydroponics kits and the children learnt about how this system can potentially allow us to grow fruit and vegetables in smaller spaces, indoors and even all year round! Our kits are all set up and we are eagerly waiting for our strawberries, peppers, basil and lettuce to grow. The hydroponics kits are proudly displayed in the corridor and other children in the school have shown great interest and been able to ask the children involved in the project about what they learnt.
What was the lasting impact of your event? How has your school continued to engage with science after British Science Week?
We have created an informative display in the school promoting this innovative approach to learning about plants and growing. We also hope that in the future we will be able to extend the idea of growing for the community and perhaps start a community garden or at least promote the idea of growing fruit and vegetables amongst members of our community. We aim to bring the community together and promote confidence and independence amongst our younger members who are used to being dependent on, and limited by, the benefits system.
What tips or advice would you give to schools thinking of applying for a Kick Start Grant for British Science Week in 2022?
Plan your project carefully; make sure you have a clear aim. Don’t underestimate the importance of your project and the impact you can have. Projects like these can be the most memorable and valuable experiences of a child’s time at school and can really influence their future and build their confidence.