Star scientists

Tudor Grange Academy, Perdiswell is part of the Ogden University of Worcester Partnership. They have been supporting their very youngest pupils to become superstar scientists!

Forty-eight children in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) have successfully completed their CREST Star Awards. These awards are a great introduction to problem-solving in STEM and offer children the opportunity to learn through hands-on challenges that focus on their everyday lives.

“The school has embraced the opportunity to run the Crest Award sessions again this academic year,” explains Alison Webb, who is one of the EYFS teachers guiding the children on their scientific discoveries.

“The CREST investigations provide a carefully structured sequence of learning which helps the children to build and develop skills and knowledge. They help to foster hands-on, can do, positive learning behaviours,” continues Alison. “The activities are well pitched and highly engaging to reception children. They encourage skills of observing, identifying, grouping and problem solving; and they give children the chance to work on their own, with a partner and in groups.”

“The hands-on experience is great for the children. They are all engaged with the activities. It makes them think outside of the box. They are investigating and sharing!
Reception, Teaching Assistant

The CREST investigations were incorporated into their overall topic of space, so science was interwoven across the curriculum. The children were encouraged to see that science can be both thought provoking and fun and that it is open to everybody.

“Everybody is a scientist!” enthuses Alison. “All the children have really enjoyed the practical activities, and many have talked about their learning at home. It has been wonderful to see how these sessions have captured the children’s imagination. It is a great scheme,” concludes Alison. “Highly recommended and great fun for both children and staff!”

“My favourite activity was the constellations. I liked doing the chalk, and I told my Mum and Dad that I wanted to do it at home. Stars are my favourite, the great thing about constellations is the people’s ideas about the pictures are a little funny.”

“I enjoyed pretending to make the craters. I liked dropping the stones and the really loud noises they made. Craters are the rocks that float in space that make the holes on the moon.”

“I liked making the rockets that we blown and the constellations. I liked the little dipper and the big dipper and the one that looks like a w.”

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