The Prep School Science Fair began as an idea from Khushi, a Year 12 student, after she took part in the Beamline for Schools physics competition run by the GDST. As part of the competition, her team was challenged to design an outreach project to promote science, which prompted the idea of an online science fair for pupils in Years 5–8.
However, Khushi wanted to bring that same sense of excitement even closer to home. ‘I realised I wanted younger students in my own school to feel the same curiosity and enthusiasm for science that I felt during the competition,’ she explained. This led her to organise a science fair for the Prep School, aimed at inspiring pupils from Reception to Year 6 and encouraging a genuine love of scientific discovery.
With the support of Kiki, another Year 12 student, the fair was launched during British Science Week. There was no set theme, allowing pupils the freedom to explore topics that genuinely interested them. ‘We didn’t want to limit anyone’s creativity,’ said Khushi. ‘The best projects come from questions students really care about.’ Throughout the process, students were supported and guided to develop their ideas and experiments.
The Science Fair took place in the Prep School hall last Wednesday and was filled with energy, creativity and enthusiasm. Projects covered a wide range of topics, from space and the human body to hands-on experiments involving incubators. The judges were impressed not only by the quality of the projects but also by the number of entries, which exceeded expectations. ‘Seeing so many pupils excitedly explaining their projects was definitely the highlight for me,’ Khushi reflected.
Every participant received a certificate, with runner-up prizes, trophies for each year group and a large trophy awarded to the overall winner. Parents and pupils attended to support the event, creating a warm and encouraging atmosphere as students proudly presented their work.
For Khushi, organising the fair was a valuable experience in planning and coordination, while Kiki particularly enjoyed working with and supporting the younger pupils. Both found the experience incredibly rewarding and hope the Science Fair will continue as a Prep School tradition for years to come.
From curious questions to confident discoveries...
Science teaching starts early at Portsmouth High Prep School with simple scientific concepts being taught in Nursery and Pre-School. Early curiosity is harnessed as girls move up through the school. There is a dedicated science Discovery Laboratory and the subject is taught formally from Year 3 upwards. Pupils in Year 6 have lessons at Portsmouth High Senior School’s Science Department, a separate building housing 7 science laboratories.
