A big thumbs up from first school visitors to new centre
Thursday 6th June 2019
What have teachers and children been saying about their visit to our brand new Science Oxford Centre? Over the past few weeks we’ve been running trial group visits to the centre for local primary schools and collecting feedback from both pupils and teachers.
And so far the news is good – we’ve got a 100% approval rating from teachers and supporting adults, who have all provided positive descriptions of their overall impression of the centre. Teachers have valued:
– The wide variety of activities available, both indoors and outdoors, and how interesting and engaging they were for pupils (mentioned in 40% of comments).
-The hands-on and experimental nature of the experience and how it had been clearly designed to encourage thinking (mentioned in 30% of comments).
-The child-centred/age-appropriate nature of the activities and the mix of both challenge and accessibility (mentioned in 30% of comments).
-How helpful, knowledgeable and welcoming the Science Oxford Centre staff were (mentioned in 25% of comments).
Here’s what they’ve been saying:
“Thank you for a truly brilliant visit to the new centre today – what an incredible new facility you have created! I think the gasps from the children spoke for themselves as they walked into the Exploration Zone this morning – we feel very lucky to be the first to use those exhibits today! We thought that the workshop worked really well and the woodland walk was a really big hit too, with lots to learn and explore on the site.”
Y4 Teacher after trial visit
“I love the principles underlying the building and work planned here. So exciting and uplifting for children being able to experience thought-provoking and stimulating discoveries.”
Teacher attending a free Twilight Taster Session
The feedback from children has been amazing too. Here is a selection of written comments from Y3-6 pupils:
“The visit was brilliant, exciting and sciencey! It was full of interesting things and there was never a dull moment.”
“You can do stuff that you’ve never done before. It’s fun and challenging all at the same time. They are very nice people.”
“The Exploration Zone with all the equipment was the best fun because I could control stuff, play with unusual things and persevere to get an experiment right!”
“Personally, l think it was one of my best trips! My favourite part of the exhibition was the circuit building, we made a successful circuit, it was great fun and we solved lots of difficulties. When l was making the track for balls to try, l discovered that l should stack the pieces downwards, so that the balls can finish the track with the help of gravity. It was a wonderful experience and l would love to visit again!”
“I thought it was amazing because it was thought through well and it had a child’s interest at heart. It has amazing woodlands and lots of wildlife so you definitely come here and learn lots of new things.”
“You should come here because I had my best Thursday in Year 5.”
Bookings are now open for early years and primary school visits from September onwards. Go to www.scienceoxford.com/centre and we hope to see you soon!
