Science Club

Year 12 Channing student volunteers work with Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils at Brookfield Primary School to help them develop their scientific skills and boost their self-confidence. 

Aims

To create a pathway for Brookfield pupils to develop their scientific skills in an environment where learning is seen as fun and goes beyond the classroom. We also support those students to build their confidence.  For our Sixth Form volunteers the aim is to help develop their communication, social and leadership skills.

Background

This is a new initiative which started in Autumn 2021.  Through Channing’s partnership with Highgate Newtown Community Partners (HNCP) and Brookfield Primary School, a discussion was held regarding ‘Education +’.  We wanted to develop academic enrichment for students, particularly those who may not otherwise be able to participate in extra curricular clubs (in particular Pupil Premium pupils). The impact of Covid lockdowns meant that some children needed to rebuild their confidence and extend those skills that were not directly related to the curriculum.

This year at Science Club our Year 12 students assisted Brookfield pupils in solving a forensics enquiry using several scientific techniques such as: flame tests, circuit building, food tests, acids and alkalis, and microscopes. 

Resources

The school provides funds for Brookfield pupils to be escorted to Channing where they are provided with a snack before the Year 12 volunteers and a Channing Science teacher deliver Science lessons. Each student is provided with essential resources (white board, pencils, notebook, Science equipment, etc.).

Impact

According to Brookfield “on the days of the Channing clubs, our children come in with real enthusiasm and it is clear to see that the clubs are the highlight of their week! The feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive, and teachers have noticed a difference in the children’s self-esteem and confidence in class”.

Pupil Involvement

The club involves a group of around 8 or so Year 12 volunteers, and one Science Teacher who supervises, but it is the Year 12 volunteers who plan the lesson. They work alongside groups of Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils. 

Frequency

This is a weekly activity which is 45 minutes in length.