Danetree Primary welcomes visitors to new science facility

​Danetree Primary School in West Ewell has been well and truly put on the local educational map by the opening of its spectacular new Phiz Lab facility last week.

The school received funding from science educational foundation the Ogden Trust, which has well-established links with the GLF Schools multi-academy trust, of which Danetree is a member, to build special state-of-the-art science and technology learning facilities.

School governors, representatives of the GLF group, the local branch of educational charity the Shine Trust and also of the Ogden Trust were on hand as Trust’s national primary science consultant Wendy Cox formally opened the new laboratories, much to the excitement of the eager young scientists of Danetree.

“This is such a wonderful facility to have and a huge boost for the teaching of science at Danetree and the school as a whole,” said Danetree’s science leader Laura Dalchow.

“GLF’s science advisor Tom Holloway helped build the partnership with the Trust and that’s enabled us obtain this great new lab and all the equipment in it. It’s not just a one-off either, as there will be funding for our teachers to get trained up, and also for other schools in the GLF group to use the labs as well.”

The opening of the new lab was another highlight of a busy term at Danetree Primary, which opened a new nursery facility and an additional reception entry class at the start of the new academic year.

Another highlight for Danetree pupils was having the opportunity to demonstrate the wonders of their new laboratory – by making ice cream for their guests to eat.

“That proved hugely popular with the children, as you’d expect,” added Ms Dalchow, “so they’ve really taken to the new lab straight away, and of course the adults are thrilled about this addition to the school as well. This is only the beginning, so we can’t wait to see how the positive impact it will have on pupils for years to come.”