Student teachers from Stranmillis University College in Belfast worked with staff at St Anne’s primary school in Belfast on science lessons for children from nursery to Primary 7. The partnership began in October and covered topics such as celebrations, autumn, Titanic, and dynamic earth.

The collaboration ended with a Science Showcase event on 29 January 2026 at St Anne’s primary school. Student teachers set up interactive displays with practical demonstrations from their lessons. Pupils assisted the students in offering science activities to children and staff across the school.

Activities at the showcase included experiments with floating and sinking objects using a puppet, identifying mystery items by senses, and inflating balloons with vinegar and baking soda. Josephine Mallon, vice principal of St Anne’s, stated that the partnership provides subject knowledge from students and tutors, benefits pupils and staff, and improves inquiry-based learning and science planning.

A Primary 5 teacher at St Anne’s noted that a student teacher led lessons on the human body with practical activities, allowing full pupil involvement and additional adult support. Anna from Primary 6 described wearing gloves, hats, bandanas, and badges at a science stand and helping younger pupils. Clodagh and Faye from Primary 3 said they acted as experts, answering questions from older pupils and keeping a book of their work.

Dr Andrea Doherty and Dr John McCullagh from Stranmillis thanked the staff, senior leadership team, and pupils at St Anne’s for their support. The student teachers will continue using playful science methods in lessons and share reflections later in the school year.