I believe that an early grounding in science opens a person’s mind to the intricacies of the world and helps to explain how we have come to where we are today. It is fundamental to developing critical thinking and establishing an enquiring mind. Science is also essential in facilitating a deeper understanding of the world, from human anatomy and environmental issues to technological advances.
As Head of Department, I am actively involved in teaching and inspiring science from Reception right through to the senior years, ensuring curiosity and enthusiasm are nurtured from the very start of a child’s learning journey. Science lessons are practical-led, and from Year 3 the boys are taught in our purpose-built, well-equipped laboratories. Lessons are fun and exciting, as well as informative and unforgettable. We also have a variety of school pets, including a corn snake, bearded dragon, cockroaches, stick insects and fish, enabling adaptation lessons to truly come to life and be experienced first-hand.
I collaborate with departments across the school, including STEM, Maths, Geography, History and PSHE. This cross-curricular approach provides our pupils with a broad base of knowledge and a clear understanding of how science affects every aspect of our lives. I have organised invaluable trips to Iceland and CERN in Geneva, as well as visits closer to home, such as Smiths Security, where pupils learn about mine and drug detection. Lockers Park also hosts a Forensic Science Day and arranges trips to Bedford School Observatory and Planetarium.
Many of the pupils at the school today will eventually pursue careers that are innovative and may not yet even have been envisioned. An open, informed scientific mind is also essential for many leading roles in the financial world.
Here at Lockers Park, I like to think that we encourage pupils to think for themselves, to understand how and why things work, and to engage with pressing global issues such as climate change, while nurturing a strong foundational understanding of natural laws.
I hope you will join us on Saturday 7 March to experience Lockers in Action with your son.
Mr Ansar Iqbal
Head of Science
Lockers Park School