Page 15 - link magazine

@ www , - - " nk.com The Link Magazine • August 2006 15
Brunel oversees birthday science workshops
Scientific investigation was given the spice of competition in mid-July when children from 11 primary
schools came together fora two day Swindon Schools' Science Festival at Ridgeway School, Wroughton. Wrosoft
a a •...
IK Brunel himself, taking a break
from his 200 year birthday Your recommended
revelries, welcomed the young- local sage & IT Specialists
sters who took part in workshops Installation, Training & Support for all
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Cameron Goodge from Brook
,, ---s
Field Primary said he enjoyed the science
rainforest exploration workshop n
because children could stroke a www.acs-su.com
tarantula. Halene Somal said, "it 0845 2000 346
was very soft and calm; it didn't 7
try to bite at all." Mr Brlurel, Ridgeway's head of science
The afternoon sessions were Phil Bevan, convincing youngsters that
taken up by the children display- science is groovy, with Jodie Tielemans
ing and presenting work prepared and Steven Coates from Tregoze Primary
over the previous months on the and Thomas Clayton, Cameron Goodge
subject of 'Famous Scientists.' and Halene Somal from Brook Field
At stake was a £100 voucher for @ the Brain Buzz Summer School throughout August
science equipment, but every pupil "our aim is to engage and involve • Prevent the boredom that comes with the summer switch off t
attending the day received a medal primary school pupils in science, • Learn new skills, reinforce and consolidate last year's learning
to mark their scientific learning. and reinforce links between pri- • Informal, flexible and fun - and make new friends
To make a big impression on mary and secondary schools. • Get set for a great new year with qualified, experienced teachers r+^`
judges, children explored the sci- "The day was a fantastic oppor- The programme includes day-time and half-day sessions
entists through rap and dance as tunity to discover the excitement combining tuition with other activities such as craft-work.
well as traditional writing and il- of learning through experiments Also 'Exam Elation' sessions - get ahead with Maths GCSE
lustration. and applying practical skills this summer holidays
Event organiser Sue Rayner said, through team work." Get ahead, stay ahead

Trophies for turning the tables
Students at West Swindon's Kip McGrath Education Centre have
become experts at answering rapid fire times tables questions and
received trophies to mark their achievement.
All maths students at the educa- "As an experienced teacher I Get in on the act
tion centre begin their session with know how children struggle with Now here's a brilliant way to make great new mates,
a game where they answer multi- some of the more difficult con- have loads of fun and sometimes... just act the goat!
plication questions against the cepts within maths like fractions
clock. Even children attending for and not knowing times tables only
English lessons choose to have a makes this worse," said Andrea.
go. "If a child has to constantly try l''t l
Tutor Andrea Parkinson said to count up to work out a times
that many of the students had table fact rather than just recalling
worked really hard to reach level it, a maths task becomes so much
three of the game but there was more frustrating," she added.
nowhere left to go. She decided The tables challenge is open to
that it would be good to set them all students, including those at-
one final challenge. tending the Brain Buzz summer
The youngsters worked towards school which would be an ideal
being able to answer 30 questions way to boost maths ready for next
in one minute — that's one every term. During the holidays, sessions
two seconds - and the 18 who suc- lasting 3.5 hours will begin with a
ceeded were presented with spe- normal Kip McGrath lesson fol-
cial trophies by councillor Justin lowed by a structured craft activ-
Tomlinson. ity.
The usual 80
minute sessions
It's all about
are also avail- ^^ 0' learning how to make
able. Call 608708 0"e
^a.' r d j _ people sit up and take notice
or see the advert t Y when you've got something to say.
above right for We'll help boost your confidence
summer school in everything you do. So, if you'd like to
details. come along, just tell Mum and Dad
0 e '
ia ...there's a class near you!
Councillor Justin MaAcad
Tomlinson, left,
with David and
Andrea Parkinson TELEPHONE 1845 838 6045
with award win-
Visit our websife www.helenogrady.co.uk
ners