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Case Study : Bursley Primary School

 Steven Cooper - Head Teacher

 Bursley Primary School STEM Activity

Staffordshire STEM Centre has an ongoing successful partnership with Bursley Primary School dating back to 2007 when the School signed-up to the Greenpower project.

 

Bursley Primary School wanted to introduce innovative approaches to Science learning  in Year 5 and Year 6. The School approached Staffordshire STEM Centre to develop and deliver curriculum-focussed activities in a practical and creative way. A study of outcomes showed desirable results. Children’s attitudes were changed! They were found to have gained enjoyment out of learning Science and have become motivated in the undertaking the tasks. Furthermore, they communicated well and improvements were made in teamwork, problem solving skills, risk taking, planning and investigation. The School found that standards were raised and Science SAT results were greatly improved.
 Bursley Primary School Greenpower Team
Prior intervention when asked what they thought of science:    
“It's ok, it’s a bit boring when you don’t do anything but listen to your teacher.” Y5.
 
Post intervention the response to the same question was:
“I like Science because of the experiments you do and I learn new things.” Y5
 
Since 2007, our partnership with Bursley Primary has gone from strength to strength. Bursley has taken on more Activities and Projects allowing the whole school to be involved. A progressive programme is now in place offering a mix of projects that are solely for teacher delivery and others that are delivered by a member of the Staffordshire STEM Centre team.
 
Our partnership with Bursley has an Established Programme:Bursley Primary School Greenpower Goblin
  • The whole school takes part in the Star Science Award Scheme. It is integrated into the curriculum and allows children to gain a National Award by completing a certain amount of investigations annually.
  • Year 5 and Year 6 children have an engaging programme of activities delivered by Staffordshire STEM Centre specialists.
  • Bursley has now built 3 Goblin kit cars. Year 5 and 6 children participate annually in a series of Greenpower Goblin events both locally and nationally. They have successfully attained many trophies for their efforts and have been an inspiration to many primary schools in Staffordshire.   

Other Programme Activites: 

  • School visits to events held at Staffordshire University.Bursley Primary School Greenpower Trophies
  • Industrial visit to Perkins Engines.
  •  joint activities for the gifted and talented with other primary schools.
Feedback from a Year 6 child who has had two years experience of our partnership:
“ I think the things we do with Staffordshire STEM is excellent. It makes you learn and you make a variety of things. All of the activities have been really outstanding including visiting the University. I have had an amazing time! Thank you.”
 
Over the years staff at Bursley have become very confident in delivering practical activities and they approach new ways of teaching with great enthusiasm and motivation. The partnership aims to continue and Bursley already has plans for the current Academic Year 2010-2011 to take part in the Bloodhound SSC project and the newly launched Brilliant Bees project.
 

If you wish to discuss a specific activity, have a query or need further information, please contact the Staffordshire STEM Team online or by tel: 01785 353348.