Primary school teachers from schools throughout are participating in the RCSI ‘Come to Your Senses’ summer course, which commenced in the college this week and helps support the teaching of the primary science curriculum.

The course will use the theme of the human senses to enable primary school  teachers develop their interest and enthusiasm for teaching science with direct relevance to the primary science curriculum  for Social Environmental and Science Education (SESE). The course promotes learning through doing, and provides teachers with practical experiments and innovative ideas to use in the classroom.

Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI, said: “At RCSI, we are committed to the advancement of science and learning and this begins at primary school level. The ‘Come to Your Senses’ course is a novel way for teachers to develop their science teaching skills, giving them the confidence and enthusiasm to conduct hands-on activities and experiments in the classroom which will inspire children to develop an interest in science.”

The Science Curriculum was formally introduced into primary schools in 2003 to encourage children to examine and appreciate how science and technology impact on their lives and on the environment. ‘Come to Your Senses’ is part of RCSI’s Primary Science Initiative (PSTI) which aims to support the teaching of science in the classroom.  It is approved by the Department of Education and is fully funded by RCSI. The RCSI PSTI team are Dr Jacqueline Daly, Dr Marc DeVocelle , Ms Maria Kelly, Dr Maria Morgan and Dr Kenny Winser . 25 primary school teachers will participate in this summer initiative.

Dr Jacqueline Daly, Associate Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, said: “RCSI is committed to supporting the development of science from the very early stages of education right through to third and fourth level. The RCSI team are very much looking forward to interacting with the primary teachers on this summer course.”

The Primary Science for Teachers Initiative is a component of RCSI’s REACH programmes which promotes Recreation, Education and Community Health. The programme works in partnership with primary and post primary schools, youth and community groups together with the local community on the design and delivery of educational initiatives including homework clubs, science workshops, sports and health programmes, as well and Education Information Service.