British Science Week at Junior School

——By Mr David Cairns, Deputy Head of JuniorSchool (Academics)

On Monday 13 March, the Junior School raised the curtain on this year’s British Science Week; an internationally recognized event, which promotes the teaching and learning of Science, as well as highlighting key issues around diversity and inclusion.  

This year’s theme centered around ‘Connections’, and all of the activities that were created for the week had meaningful connections between the students, their lives, their learning and the community within which they are an integral part of. Our launch assembly saw students learning about all the amazing things which can happen within the blink of an eye, and led to students have a naturally inquisitive nature about what else was in store for the week ahead.

Year 6 Lecture

As well as the Launch Assembly, eight of our Year 6 students presented lectures to their peers on a range of scientists who have smashed stereotypes; the likes of David Attenborough, Hetty Lamar, Katherine Johnson and Stephen Hawking were each discussed.

Pi Day

Tuesday was another busy day, with a focus on service and support. Supported by our amazing parent volunteers, the Junior School was enriched with the smell of pies which were being sold to raise money for migrant schools. Close to 6,000 RMB was raised, which will help purchase mathematical equipment for students of migrant schools. Students also engaged in further activities, including decoding, and a wonderful dress up day.

Big Draw Event 

The fun and excitement continued on Wednesday, with the day starting with a series of scientific demonstrations led by Year 12 students. And after that, children were invited to the Multi-Purpose Room to sketch, draw and colour images connected to Science and Mathematics.

Shackleton Lecture

On Thursday, the school welcomed UN Global Ambassador Ms Songqiao Yao into school for our second Shackleton Lecture of the year; an event designed to inspire inquiry, exploration, adventure and curiosity. Connections were made to the Year 4 unit on heroes, and many students came away from the Shackleton Lecture with a new found hero in Ms Songqiao Yao. Furthermore, students in Year 3, 5 and 6 were given a demonstration by MarsLab, a Shanghai-based Robotics company.

Science Expo

The final event of the week, and one that had the children so excited from its initial mention was the DCSZ Junior School Expo. Each year group were given a big question, which they had to research and agree with, or disprove. This culminated in a wonderful showcase of learning, with parents invited onto campus for a celebrate of the work they had created.

On behalf of all in Junior School, I would like to place on record my thanks to Ms Michelle Roux, Mr Daniel Nelder, Ms Iman Farrell, Mr Michael Jacobs-Kraft and Ms Connie Turner for their incredible work in organizing and coordinating a fantastic week of experiential learning for our school community.