Curriculum Links in the Local Community

Winchester Science Centre

At Winnall Primary School, every year group gets the chance to visit the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium throughout the year for an exciting hands-on learning experience that brings science to life.

From interactive exhibits to immersive planetarium shows, these visits offer our children a chance to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a fun and engaging way. Each class, from Year R to Year 6, takes part in different science projects, tailored to their age and learning objectives. Whether designing rockets, experimenting with sound waves, or building simple machines, every child is encouraged to engage with science in practical, creative ways.

The Planetarium Show is always a highlight, giving our children a chance to embark on a journey through the stars, visiting planets and galaxies far beyond our own. These shows spark curiosity and help children connect what they’ve learned in the classroom with the wonders of the universe.

In addition to the exhibits and shows, the Science Centre’s After School Science Club provide opportunities for our children to dive deeper into scientific concepts. Through these clubs, children can get hands-on with a variety of activities like chemistry experiments, electricity challenges, and exploring the physics of sound.

These year-round visits not only deepen students’ understanding of STEM but also inspire a love of science that lasts long after the trip is over. At Winnall Primary, we’re proud to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, all while making learning exciting and accessible for every child.

 Sound of Biodiversity Project

The project, which was recognised by the John Connell Soundscape Awards, saw a selection of our pupils explore nature and the sounds found in the wild by constructing a soundscape, with the idea for the nature garden, named the Woodland Walk, evolving out of the project.  It is a result of a “Sound of Biodiversity” collaboration between the school and Wonderseekers, the charity which runs the Winchester Science Centre, and the University of Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability.

Sound of Biodiversity Animation 

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Springwatch presenter Megan McCubbin opened the Woodland Walk whilst celebrating the biodiversity project.  Megan and some of the children planted plants together. 

Megan said: “It is really nice to open the Woodland Walk. It is an opportunity for the kids to reconnect with nature. To see the smiles on the kids' faces was really lovely. It is really exciting.”

The Springwatch host said that the Woodland Walk would allow the pupils to reconnect with nature, saying, “I think we are all born with this connection to the world around us. All children have a memory of being curious about nature, and this will help them reconnect with that.”