New 'Building Bridges' programme engages primary school pupils with Science subjects

Building Bridges supports primary school students’ successful transition to secondary school by boosting their academic motivation and engagement. In the initial phase of the project, 2022-2024, Wadham is working with the Departments of Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics and Materials Science, Balliol College, Hertford College, Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum (OGBA) and the Ashmolean Museum, as well as external partners, The Alnwick Garden and University of Reading. Together, we are working with primary schools in Gloucester, in an area that sits within the top 10% of most deprived areas within the UK.

The first year of the project has focused on our Green Planet, specifically looking at Climate and Energy, Food, and Medicines. School students have enjoyed a science assembly followed by lesson activities over May/June, before a visit to Oxford. Just under 600 students visited the College in July, meeting researchers from Oxford and Reading who work on tackling key questions around the theme. The students visited the Botanic Gardens and took part in a session on careers. Planning with the Ashmolean on next year's theme, 'Into the Blue', has already begun.

Building Bridges is funded by generous Wadham alumni donors and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Chemistry for All fund. Working with teachers and teaching assistants and with the support of a local state secondary school, the project provides free “OXbOX” practical kits and training to support the teaching of Key Stage 2 (7- to 11-year-olds) science curriculum at primary as well as the enrichment activities designed to boost engagement and enjoyment.

The Building Bridges programme is an important part of our Access to Excellence campaign that supports students on each step of the educational journey. We are expanding this work by extending it to primary school children. We are very grateful to Wadham's donors whose support makes it possible for us to do so.

'It has been fantastic to work with our talented colleagues at Wadham to bring this project to life and to see the impact on the teachers and young people involved.'

Saskia O'Sullivan, overall project lead (Chemistry)

'The opportunities are amazing and show the kids just what's possible for them.'

Teacher

‘We’re delighted to be working alongside colleagues from the University’s access community. We hope this project becomes a scalable example of how universities can partner with primary and secondary schools to support the brilliant work they do every day.’

Dr Hugh Munro, Access and Outreach Officer and Acting Tutor for Access, Wadham College

Find out more about our Schools and Outreach work and our Access to Excellence programme.