Prep Science Week 2025: A Scaly and Soaring Success
Prep Science Week is always a much-anticipated highlight of the school calendar - and this year’s event certainly lived up to the excitement. With the captivating theme ‘Raptors and Reptiles’, pupils were taken on an unforgettable journey into the worlds of birds of prey and cold-blooded creatures.
The week kicked off with an introduction to two fascinating groups of animals. Pupils learned what makes a raptor - hooked beaks, sharp talons, and powerful eyesight, like those of owls, hawks, and eagle - and how reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are defined by their scaly skin, egg-laying habits, and cold-blooded nature.
Each morning, the excitement grew as Mrs Barton sent out a daily science challenge for the classes to tackle. From quirky questions like “Is Mr Godwin a reptile?” to more investigative prompts like “Can snakes swim?” and “What are the five characteristics of a raptor?”, the pupils raced to be the first to submit their answers, with prizes awarded at the end of the week to the fastest thinkers. Out in the courtyard, hands-on discovery stations sparked curiosity and conversation. Children examined real snake skins under magnifying glasses, matched animal skeletons to their species, and explored a range of fascinating artefacts—all while soaking in the early summer sun.
One of the most exciting moments of the week came when the National Reptile Wildlife Centre visited the school. Pupils were captivated as they met some truly remarkable creatures up close, including a two-and-a-half metre long python, the world’s largest breed of gecko, and a giant tortoise. There was a real buzz in the air as brave volunteers got hands-on with these scaly guests!
Reception pupils were in for an extra surprise when Mrs Barton arrived with two very special visitors of her own: Ron the tortoise and Bruce the bearded dragon. The children were overjoyed to meet them and wasted no time asking curious questions about what they eat, how they move, and the ways their unique features help them survive in the wild.
To round off an action-packed week, pupils from Reception to Year 6 enjoyed a spectacular day out at Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation, one of the UK’s leading bird of prey centres. A thrilling flying display brought science to life as children watched a barn owl, vulture, and eagles soar through the skies.
Prep Week 2025 was a brilliant blend of exploration, hands-on learning, and sheer excitement, leaving pupils buzzing with knowledge and curiosity. A huge thank you to Mrs Barton and all the staff who made this week such a wild success!
