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Festival of Nature 2012

Clifton’s young scholars shared their passion for science by taking part in workshops at the Bristol Festival of Nature’s Schools’ Day and by passing on their excitement to younger schoolchildren from across the city.

The Schools’ Day last Friday gave Key Stage 2 children an opportunity to participate in inspirational hands-on activities and is part of the UK’s largest free festival in celebration of the natural world, giving wildlife enthusiasts of all ages the chance to get close to nature in the heart of the city.

The group of 19 science scholars from Year 8 were able to showcase their knowledge of the natural world with guidance from head of science at the Pre, Julian Edgell, in a variety of workshops within Clifton College’s theme this year of The Variety of Life.

The School has sponsored the Bristol Festival of Nature’s Schools’ Day since its inception three years ago and Clifton’s continuing financial support ensures that over 1,000 children can explore wildlife, the environment and various aspects of science, which will help to inform the pupils’ formal learning in the classroom.

Upper School science scholars and teachers from all three schools at Clifton expanded The Variety of Life theme over the weekend in the Clifton tent, which had been written and designed by Upper School biology teacher Dr Remy Poland. The exhibit took visitors on a journey through the variety of animal life on this planet, with posters containing information and photos on the nine major groups of animals, and a variety of specimens from the Biology Department. Specimens ranged from jellyfish to squid, lobsters to starfish, as well as an impressive collection of reptiles, birds and mammals. There was also a selection of live stick insects for people to handle, and a series of games and competitions for children.

The breadth and depth of the exhibits on display plays tribute to the impressive zoological collection in the Biology Department. Clifton is fortunate enough to have one of the oldest science schools in the country, and many of the specimens on display date back to the 1920s, donated by museums and collectors. The biology staff make use of this material for teaching purposes throughout Upper School, and were proud to share it with members of the public.

See the Schools’ Day photo gallery and the Weekend photo gallery.

20 June 2012

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