Red Kite Day 4 (Primary)
Posted 22nd November 2024
Primary Science: making it accessible and sustainable for all our learners
Red Kite Day 4, held on Friday 15th November at Harrogate Grammar School, brought together primary colleagues for an inspiring day dedicated to Primary Science, sustainability, climate awareness and outdoor learning. With a focus on vulnerable learners, the event showcased the commitment of Red Kite Alliance to addressing the most pressing challenges in education while fostering innovation and collaboration.
The day began with a warm welcome by Caroline Johnson, Headteacher at Colton Primary School, setting an inclusive and enthusiastic tone for the programme. The first keynote speaker was Professor Leigh Hoath, a leading figure in science education and sustainability. Her talk, Curriculum for Hope: Empowering the Children and Young People for the Future, highlighted the critical role of education in equipping young learners to navigate and contribute to a sustainable world. Drawing on her experience as an award-winning educator and consultant for global initiatives like the BBC’s The Regenerators campaign, Leigh’s insights left a lasting impression on attendees.
Workshops throughout the day provided hands-on, practical approaches to enhancing teaching and learning. Themes ranged from promoting diversity in primary science lessons to exploring space as a context for science curricula. Sessions like Taking Your Curriculum Outdoors by Hollie Hindle and Climate Justice by Professor Leigh Hoath emphasised sustainability and engagement, offering tools and strategies to make science education both accessible and inspiring for all learners. Attendees also explored inclusive approaches to working scientifically, early years science talk and creative methods such as finding physics in everyday contexts.
The sessions were generously supported by our partners The Ogden Trust, Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT), CLEAPSS, Spring Learning, ESERO UK, Alfresco Learning and Leeds Trinity University, along with further support from Jigsaw, YPO and Hutchison Catering, keeping the event affordable for our members.
After a lunch break that allowed for networking and informal discussions, the afternoon sessions continued to build on the event’s themes. The final keynote, delivered by Dr. Geoff Mackey, provided a thought-provoking exploration of sustainability in education and industry. Entitled Sustaina-what-ability, his presentation addressed inclusivity, the intersection of education and industry, and the importance of kindness in creating meaningful change. Geoff’s expertise and passion for closing communication gaps resonated with attendees, tying together the day’s focus on community and collaboration.
Estelle Scarth, Headteacher at Oatlands Junior School, closed the day reflecting on the success of bringing together a wide range of colleagues from across our partnership of schools. The emphasis on practical application ensured that the impact of the day would extend beyond the event itself and into classrooms across the Alliance. Attendees left feeling inspired, equipped with new ideas and ready to empower their pupils to tackle the challenges of the future.
"Staff could hit the ground running when they got back to school with practical things to immediately take back and implement."
As Red Kite Alliance continues to grow, events like Red Kite Day 4 exemplify the power of collaboration in creating a brighter future for education.