Uncovering the secrets of the Vikings, discovering more about Chinese culture and learning how to make snot are all part of eclectic mix of the sixth annual May Fest Schools' Programme 2019, which was launched today.
Organised by the University of Aberdeen as part of its annual May Fest, this year’s dedicated schools’ festival features its biggest programme yet, with more than 30 fantastic events for pupils and teachers to enjoy over two days, May 21 and 22.
The programme is targeted at pupils from P1 to P7 and will offer school children from across Aberdeen city and Shire the opportunity to get to grips with subjects ranging from storytelling and science, to philosophy and engineering in fun and interactive ways.
Designed to complement all areas of the curriculum - including science, the expressive arts, language, maths, and health and wellbeing – several of the events are being held in collaboration with the University’s Confucius Institute, the Centre for Scandinavian Studies and local science charity Techfest.
In Chinese Stories: The Gruffalo, pupils will learn about the traditional Chinese folk tale that inspired the much-loved children’s storybook in a fun and interactive session, while there will also be sessions on Chinese dance and calligraphy.
Techfest’s K’Nex Dinosaurs event will introduce pupils to the fascinating world of engineering design, allowing pupils to develop their construction skills and creative confidence.
Meanwhile, Uncovering Viking Secrets will look at the mysterious ways Vikings described the natural world, during which pupils will have the chance to write their own runic messages and create Viking poetry. American children’s book author Kimberlie Hamilton will lead an interactive storytelling session based on her books, Rebel Cats! Brave Tales of Feisty Felines and Rebel Dogs! Heroic Tales of Trusty Hounds.
Festival manager, Jill Murray, from the University of Aberdeen’s Festival and Events team, said that this year’s programme was bigger and better than previous years.
“We are very excited about the programme this year, in particular about the breadth of topics that will be offered,” she said.
“The events are aimed across a wide age range, from P1 upwards, and tie in with all areas of the curriculum with a view to making them fun and interesting, such as Techfest’s Money Match, which is a hands-on maths add venture to learn all about money. In Genes Unzipped, there will be a chance to learn how genes and DNA impact on all aspects of everyday life from health and disease to the environment and agriculture.
“We hope those who attend will have great fun while learning something new in the inspiring surroundings of our King’s College campus.”