Which pupils did we aim it at?
We aimed the project at our year 7 pupil premium pupils, this is because many of these pupils have SEN/D requirements and so either struggle with social interaction and or confidence issues. This is not to say that the project was just for these pupils, in fact a huge number of pupils and staff were interested in the chicks and they were visited often and generated a lot of interest (both in terms of cuteness and science!) across the school.
Why did we select these pupils?
We selected these pupils as we felt it would increase interaction between them not just during the project itself but outside of the project around the school and in lessons. This in turn increased their confidence and a number of teachers and parents of the pupils have since commented how much confidence they seemed to have gained since the project.
What did the pupils do?
The pupils completed a range of tasks during the Living Eggs chick hatching project. They completed a diary entry for each day which included diagrams and an account of what the chicks had been doing that day. Along with this they also completed their extended learning project booklet (this can be found with all the resources living eggs provide). This booklet includes a range of activities and tasks including the conditions of the incubator, tracking the hatching process, chick behaviour in the brooder box, feeding, tracking growth and finally some data analysis (comparing the hens and roosters etc.)
Along with this the pupils looked after the chicks by feeding them, changing the bedding/water, cleaning up the incubator and giving the chicks a bath if they needed it!
Was the project a success?
The simple answer is YES! It was a huge success and I would fully recommend it any other school both secondary and primary. The pupils involved were fantastic and they were extremely interested in the behaviour and interactions of the chicks. I have received many comments from staff and parents who have told me some of the pupil’s confidence has really increased and their social interaction with pupils in their year has increased. This in turn has had a fantastic impact on the number of friends some of the pupils have gained which is fantastic to see. The project is much easier to run than you might think and the Chicks are very easy to look after.
I would just like to say a huge thank you to Kal and Phil who provide a fantastic service and are always on hand to offer advice if any is needed. We will certainly be running this project again in years to come!
Richard Tattersall – Science Teacher