October 2016 Blog
We are excited to embark on our ‘Marvellous Movers’ project with St. Colum’s Primary School and feel privileged to have been selected as Rolls Royce Science Finalists 2016.
To date a large proportion of the planning team’s time has been spent on getting to know each other, developing the project and working out the practicalities of working together on the project. We are delighted to have Ms Pillow, Key Stage two teacher at Portstewart Primary, on board to help with the media aspect of the project.
The project kicked off with a ’Mission Impossible’ teaser inviting the children to imagine and draw a never seen before ‘Marvellous Mover’. This activity alone generated much enthusiasm and chatter amongst the children and there were some amazing and interesting ideas!
Our introduction was followed up with icebreaker sessions allowing the children to spend time getting to know each other. These sessions took place in both schools and all children were involved in a range of fun games and activities.
Already we can see that friendships are being made. A former pupil involved in the icebreaker sessions watched the children playing together and thought it was amazing. She commented on how she would have loved to have had these opportunities when she was at school.
Here’s what some of our children, teachers and parents had to say about ‘Marvellous Movers’ so far…
"I think Marvellous Movers is an excellent opportunity for children to work together regardless of religious or cultural differences." (Parent)
"I had great fun. I can’t wait to meet my new friends again." (Foundation Stage child)
"I drew a car that can turn into a supersonic rocket!" (Key stage 1 child)
"I am excited to find out what we are going to do next." (Key Stage 2 child)
Even at this early stage it is clear that the children are enjoying working together and new friendships are developing.
So far in our project we have been ‘building foundations’ before commencing any practical work. We believe it is important to reinforce with our children the reasoning behind using recycled materials and renewable energy before the design stage begins. We have
contacted organisations who work in these areas to assist us with the delivery of this information to make it fresh and relevant.
We invited Bryson Energy to talk to our children about renewable energy. Bryson Energy is a Northern Ireland based charitable organisation whose vision is:
"To support and motivate energy users to reduce their costs and greenhouse emissions".
The interactive assembly involved the children finding out about what energy is, types of energy, how to conserve energy and about renewable energy sources. We hope to have a visit from our local council based waste and recycling officer.
We are happy to have been assigned Mr. Tony Sweeting as our Rolls-Royce ambassador and Miss Gilmore looks forward to meeting him in Derby in November. We as a team, welcome his input and advice on our project.
WHAT’S COMING UP NEXT MONTH?
- Key concepts explored.
- Recycling uncovered.
- Developing links with Dominican College.