Primary School Workshops

Year 5 pupils from local state schools are invited to KES to participate in two or three exciting workshops from a wide variety of options. They are often practical, fun and interesting and enable pupils to use some of the excellent facilities on site and to meet some of the school’s key and dynamic members of staff. In addition to the learning and experience, visiting pupils and staff are also invited for lunch which they really enjoy.

The workshops take place annually, over a week during the Summer Term.

Aims

To provide learning and experiential opportunities for Year 5 pupils in an independent secondary school, to share teaching resources and facilities, some of which would be unfamiliar to primary schools e.g science laboratories, sports hall, dedicated Art rooms and on-site catering.

Background

The week long series of workshops has been running for over 10 years and was set up by a member of the Senior School teaching team with responsibility for liaison with local primary schools.

The workshops occur during the week when KES pupils and staff are involved in a range of activities, many residential, in the UK and beyond. This provided an opportunity for other key KES staff to use the otherwise unused facilities and spaces, to share their expertise and enthusiasm for their subject with other pupils within the local community.

Resources

Key senior school staff who have a passion to share their skills and experience with local Year 5 children, run the workshops.

The workshops use school facilities and the KES catering staff support the visits by providing refreshments and lunches.

Impact

KES often receives thank you cards or posters from the pupils, they also take home any items or products made on site eg key rings in DT, cookies made in Food Tech, art work, certificates awarded in sports. The fun of making, the joy of participating and the smiles on faces when the thanks are given at the end of the workshops are priceless.

Pupil Involvement

Independent school staff lead the workshops with occasional support and help from pupils.  These pupils are typically aged 13-15yrs.

Frequency

Annual programme of workshops which we will continue to offer year on year.