Hillcroft pupils learn about the appliance of science

​​Would-be scientists of the future from Hillcroft Primary School in Caterham were given a glimpse of their possible future careers recently when they visited the Big Bang Science Fair south east, held at Ardingley Showground.

Under the guidance of Hillcroft’s science lead Tom Holloway – winner of the 2014 national primary school science teacher of the year award - a group of 83 pupils from Years Five and Six visited the regional event, one of a series staged nationwide by engineeringUK, to showcase the latest developments in the worlds of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and encourage children to consider the field as a future career option.

“It was a real eye-opener for the children, and one that I hope will really have inspired them,” said Mr Holloway. “It was a very hands-on experience, so children could learn and see practical applications of the knowledge, to demonstrate science in action, which is really encouraging as it shows them how what people are doing in the worlds of science and technology can make an instant significant impact on everyday life.”

The STEM event is just the latest in a series which place science at the heart of teaching at Hillcroft, which is a member of the Surrey-based GLF Schools multi-academy trust. The grounds of the school boast a garden inspired by the writings and works of Charles Darwin, who lived at Down House, not far from the school, and in April Mr Holloway was chosen to take part in a question and answer session with Major Tim Peake on the International Space Station.

“Science is wonderful to teach because there’s always something new to discover, and events like the Big Bang really get that message across to the children,” said Mr Holloway. “It’s so good that it explains to them so clearly how the work that they might consider doing in the future can really make an impact on the world around them. As a teacher it was great to attend, and I’m just hoping it has had as much of an impact on the children as well.”