Big Science little science

What do we want to do?
The Westgate School is Hampshire's first All Through School, with 1,500 pupils from EYFS to Key Stage 4. We need to develop an existing science classroom into a fully functioning science laboratory for our existing Key Stage 3 & 4 pupils. At the same time, as an All Through School we wish to offer specialist science teaching for younger pupils in science, with a particular emphasis on practical learning and will refurbish this room in such a way that all children from Key Stage 2 upwards are able to use this space. This will cost approximately £75,000 to achieve and includes fitting the room with appropriate gas and electricity connection points, appropriate furniture, and science equipment.

Without this important funding from Aviva and Crowdfunder, despite a fully committed Parent Staff Association team, we are under a huge amount of pressure to raise the necessary funding to get this work completed by next academic year. Voting for us gives us a strong chance of making this happen - and importantly, making it happen now, so that the children currently at the school benefit as well as future pupils!

Why?
Currently we only have 7 science laboratories, and often have 10 science lessons timetabled. This often means three science classes are not able to undertake practical science.
By updating the science classroom into a laboratory we will:
1. make it fit for purpose as a practical teaching space to enable all children to undertake practical experiments as part of their lesson time from Key stage 2 upwards.
2. be able to extend this not only to our own pupils, but also to include children at local primary schools through outreach sessions. This not only improves practical science teaching in the local area, but also is a great way for younger children to get experience of life at Key Stage 3 and beyond.

What are the benefits?
Every day, a further 150 pupils will be able to perform practical science work. This project will facilitate life long enjoyment of science learning, making sure the current and next generation has a better environment to enjoy all that science has to offer.

The Science national curriculum reflects the need to protect and take responsibility for the environment at all levels. We already use our site actively in our science teaching, e.g. through our Eco group's development of a pond area, or forest learning for our younger pupils. However, we strongly believe children need to be able to experiment and gain confidence with using scientific equipment and understanding the notion of experiment and hypothesis. This refurbishment will allow this to happen at a much younger age, removing some of the barriers to STEM subjects which can exist by Key Stage 3.

Without your votes and donations, this project will undoubtedly take much longer to achieve. Please help us give more children access to practical Science.