UNLOCKING THE KEY TO SECONDARY EDUCATION: Children from New Milton Junior School with their laser-cut key rings, made at the STEM Day hosted by The Arnewood School
From launching water rockets to laser cutting key rings, primary school children from across the New Forest were given a fun day’s introduction to the world of secondary education. The youngsters were attending the annual STEM Day (science, technology, engineering and maths) hosted by The Arnewood School in New Milton. Around 285 Year 5 students from Ashley Junior, Milford Primary, Hordle Primary, Tiptoe Primary, St Luke’s Primary in Sway, Bransgore Primary and New Milton Junior were treated to a day of interactive workshops, hands-on activities and lectures from guest speakers.
Esso STEM Ambassador, Eddie Hanbury, was one of the guests and demonstrated breaking down crude oil to show the children what products could be made from it. Another highlight of the day was the turn of medieval barber surgeon McCreadie and his scientific horrors of yesteryear.
Head of School at Arnewood, Nigel Pressnell, said: “The STEM day is great for showing young people just how much fun learning about science, maths and technology at secondary school can be.
“They particularly liked our medieval barber surgeon, who showed them blood-sucking leeches, and also enjoyed taking part in experiments such as building high-speed buggies and researching the mathematics behind pendulums.”
During the day the children also made shaker-driven torches, developed analytical skills whilst playing rounders and baked pizzas. The event culminated in the children launching their water-propelled rockets into the skies over the playground.
Ashley Junior School teacher, Lara Witney, said: “Our children enjoyed a great day at The Arnewood School.
“They took part in an exciting programme including rocket-building, pendulum-swinging and speaking French, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“We’d like to thank Arnewood staff for what was a fabulous day of learning.”
