Science superstars
Published: 6 April 2020
Last month, the Halton Partnership launched their schools’ science ambassador scheme, built around the CREST framework, and bringing together sixth form students from Cronton College and younger students from six primary schools.
Twenty-three sixth form students from the college have been trained as science ambassadors and will be using this as part of their CREST Silver award. They have learnt how to deliver eight CREST superstar activities which will be delivered to Year 4 classes at six partnership primary schools: Lunt’s Heath, Farnworth, Fairfield, St John Fisher, St Marys, Beechwood.
In turn, the Year 4 pupils are working towards their Crest Superstar Awards, developing their science and science communication skills so they then share their knowledge and enthusiasm with younger pupils and at school and community events.
“The sixth form students have shown a real determination to contribute to the scheme,” explains Matt Crook, Partnership Co-ordinator. “Some students have had to travel up to an hour on public transport to reach their allocated schools, but they have been fully committed. I asked the students to use scientific vocabulary to give as much new learning as possible to the primary children; I also asked them to consider their questioning so they could dive deeper into the problems with the children. And they really delivered!
“The children and teachers absolutely loved their first rocket racing activity. They had so much fun and learnt all about the forces involved when designing their rockets. The ambassadors really demonstrated their love of science. These students have all selected to study science at A-level and were able to share their passion and expertise for the subject.”
“The ambassadors were due to deliver eight sessions at the schools, next up was marble rafts! It seems very unlikely that we will be able to complete this year’s scheme, but the ambassadors have learnt valuable skills in planning and delivering science lessons to young people which may even have inspired some of the students to think about future careers in teaching.
“All the ambassadors are first year college students, so we are hoping to restart the programme in September. We will be looking to train the next cohort of students to complete the CREST Star award and will be working with Year 1 children too.
“We have laid some fantastic groundwork that we will be able to build on when the schools reopen,” concludes Matt. “In the meantime, all our partnership schools have sent out a STEM investigation bingo grid for our children to compete at home along with an invitation to enter to the ASE Great Bug Hunt 2020.”
