Primary School celebrates Science Week

Children at Balsall Common Primary School Academy recently held a Science Week with an eco-twist, following the King’s new initiative TREAD Lightly, with some very special visitors including the Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands Carmen Watson representing King Charles III.

TREAD Lightly: Turn off, Reduce use, Energy efficiency, Alternative source, Do something, was the theme with children learning about lots of ways they could help reduce both theirs and the schools carbon footprint.

TREAD Lightly has been developed by the Education Group that is part of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, which encourages community projects that benefit the region as well as supporting The King and His interests.

Carmen Watson DL said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend Balsall Common Primary School to see the progress the pupils are making in their Tread Lightly programme.

“Working on climate change and sustainability topics was clearly something which resonated with them and the visit was well-timed, coming in Science Week.

“King Charles III has told me many times how he encourages people to pay attention to this topic and it was fantastic to see first-hand how the pupils at Balsall Common are doing just that.”

Arup, an international engineering company dedicated to sustainable development, came to talk about how they are helping to shape a sustainable future by delivering an engaging presentation of our renewable sources, solar, wind turbines and hydroelectricity. Some of the Year 4 pupils were lucky enough to try out miniature versions of the technology.

Emily Owen, senior engineer at Arup said: “It was a truly enjoyable experience to visit Balsall Common Primary School and the Year 4 pupils.

“The children were all engaged and showed great enthusiasm and knowledge, which made it all the more worthwhile.

“Thank you for providing the opportunity for Arup to come along to present and, hopefully, inspire the next generation of mathematicians, scientists and engineers.

“I understand just how important it is to spark the interest of children at a young age, so this initiative is a great one for them.”

Visitors were also presented with posters and persuasive letters created and written by the Year 3 pupils.

Wast management firm Veolia UK conducted a practical session with Year 2 to look at what can and can’t be recycled at home. The children had a chance to explore ways that they could help the environment both at home and at school by reducing their printing, turning off lights, walking to school and recycling.

Year 5 pupils’ saw a master chef, Matthew Cheal from Cheal’s restaurant, in action creating a seasonal root vegetable soup.

Mark Mitchell, headteacher at Balsall Common said: “Our thanks go out to all of the visitors this week. It has made a real difference to the children being able to ask questions and take part in practical workshops, meaning that their learning has come to life. It provides inspiration for further learning and will stay with them for a very long time.”

Pictured: Ward Cllr Burrow, site manager Mr McNally and Ward Cllr Delaney with Year 3 pupils.