British Science Week at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep & Prep

Berkhamsted Prep and Pre-Prep have enjoyed a bumper week of fun activities, experiments and speaker visits: all designed to help pupils recognise a potential love and future in STEM.

STEM week at Pre-Prep

Mrs Bowers writes about science week at Pre-Prep:

During British Science Week, pupils across the school engaged in a wide range of enriching STEM opportunities designed to foster curiosity, questioning and collaboration.

Children explored five dedicated Curiosity Stations: Curious Chemists, Excellent Engineers, Nature Detectives, Marvellous Mathematicians and Animal Scientists. Each station encouraged pupils to investigate, think critically and work collaboratively while exploring scientific ideas in a hands-on and engaging way. As they visited each station, pupils collected stamps in their personal STEM Week booklets, celebrating their achievements and participation with a science sticker at the end of the week.

Pupils also took part in technology workshops, where they explored the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) and discussed the importance of using technology safely and responsibly. They then applied their understanding by following instructions to build their own robots, developing problem-solving skills while demonstrating teamwork and perseverance.

A series of science workshops provided further opportunities for pupils to take part in practical investigations and experiments, encouraging them to Be Adventurous in their learning and confident in exploring new scientific ideas.

We were delighted to welcome a parent into school to deliver an engaging flute workshop, where pupils learned about sound waves and frequency in music, helping them to see how science connects to the wider world.

A particular highlight of the week was the arrival of our five ducklings, who hatched in school. Pupils enjoyed observing their development and discussing similarities and differences between them, supporting their understanding of life cycles and animal science.

British Science Week provided a valuable opportunity for pupils to develop their scientific understanding while embodying our school values of curiosity, collaboration, questioning and Aiming High with Integrity.

STEAM week at Prep

All pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 enjoyed a scientific workshop designed to spark curiosity. With a range of fascinating experiments, involving everything from electrical circuits to bubbles, they were able to watch, participate and understand a range of scientific phenomena.

There were numerous practical opportunities within the week where pupils could learn and experience different aspects of STEM. From heart dissections and 3D models to discussing the probability of toast landing butter side down, these experiments help to develop skills of enquiry, creativity and mathematical thinking.

A highlight of the week was undoubtedly the appearance of some new feathery friends. Year 5 have enjoyed taking responsibility for our new chicks, who have now hatched at the Berkhamsted science lab. Amongst coming up with some inventive names, Year 5 have regularly cleaned out their home and provided the chicks with fresh water and food, all the while learning responsibility, consideration and care.

An engaging programme of speakers has engaged Prep pupils with all of the possible future careers they might like to pursue within STEM. Year 3 and 4 were visited by X-ray experts, who taught them how medical imaging worked, and what to do if you break a bone. Pupils in Year 5 attended a mini conference with 5 different speakers, who spoke on everything from AI, rocket science and patent law, to athlete nutrition and how hydraulics are used for special effects in films.

Year 6 enjoyed a mini conference with six speakers, including talks on underwater exploration and the development of medicinal drugs. They were also visited by a team doctor from the Premier League football team, Manchester United. He shared how they help athletes get into the best physical state possible to perform, and what they do when there is an injury. He also reminded Year 6 of the importance of asking for help and recovering properly when ill.

Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and build real excitement around STEM. It helps every child imagine how science could shape their future and opens their eyes to possibilities they may never have considered.

A huge thank you to our teachers for organising such a rich and inspiring programme of activities, and to all our visiting speakers (and feathered friends) for bringing extra excitement to the week.