Primary school teachers from around Ireland are participated in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) ‘Come to Your Senses' summer course which took place in the College from 2-6 July and helps support the teaching of the primary science curriculum. The course is part of the Dublin City of Science 2012 programme.

‘Come to Your Senses' is part of RCSI's Primary Science Initiative (PSTI) which aims to support the teaching of science in the classroom. The Initiative is a component of the REACH RCSI programme which promotes Recreation, Education and Community Health. It is approved by the Department of Education and is fully funded by RCSI.

The course used the theme of the human senses to enable primary school teachers to develop their interest and enthusiasm for teaching science with direct relevance to the primary science curriculum for Social Environmental and Science Education (SESE).

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 participated in this summer initiative. 20% of the places on the course are reserved for schools that are part of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme.

The workshops introduced primary school teachers to alternative, hands-on and fun ways of teaching science to children, without the need for expensive materials or equipment.

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 education and enthusiasm for this needs to begin 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."

Dr Jacqueline Daly, Director of the Initiative, said: "As well as providing an important opportunity for teachers to network and share experiences with their peers, the ‘Come to Your Senses' course empowers teachers to bring new techniques back to their own school and pass these valuable skills on to their colleagues."

REACH RCSI 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 and an education information service.