Chestnuts Primary School part of Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL) academy trust was abuzz with excitement this week as pupils, parents and the wider community came together to celebrate a day of discovery, curiosity and innovation at the school’s annual Science Extravaganza.

Organised by Science Lead Jo Burton, the event showcased the very best of hands-on learning, with pupils taking centre stage as ‘young scientists’, proudly presenting their own experiments and investigations. The afternoon followed a full day of immersive learning experiences, including visits to a captivating planetarium, which inspired awe and curiosity about the wider universe.

The after-school extravaganza brought science to life in an engaging and accessible way. Visitors explored an impressive range of activities, including water rockets, science escape room challenges, interactive science games, and a hall filled with inventive experiments designed and delivered by the pupils themselves. The event also featured contributions from a range of external partners, enriching the experience further. These included a STEM Ambassador, Magical Maths, Network Rail, The National Museum of Computing, Formula Goblin, and Milton Keynes Crematorium (Milton Cremes)—all helping to demonstrate the real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

A special highlight of the day was a visit from the Mayor of Milton Keynes, who praised the event and the enthusiasm of the pupils. The Mayor commented on “how wonderful the young scientists were” and noted the breadth of exciting, hands-on experiences on offer throughout the Extravaganza.

Reflecting on the success of the day, Jo Burton said the event continues to grow year on year, both in scale and impact. “It’s fantastic to see so many pupils fully engaged and eager to share their scientific ideas. The confidence, creativity and curiosity on display were truly inspiring.”

The Science Extravaganza has become a much-anticipated fixture in the Chestnuts Primary calendar, fostering a love of science and encouraging pupils to think critically, experiment boldly and explore the world around them. Feedback from both pupils and parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the inclusive, interactive nature of the event.

Michael Cauchi who is the STEM ambassador from the University of Northampton added “Being a volunteer STEM Ambassador, in conjunction with receiving the Outreach support from my workplace at the University of Northampton, it is pleasing to be inspirational to the school pupils in taking up one or more of the STEM subjects”.

The school extends its sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the day’s success—from staff and volunteers to visiting organisations, families and, of course, the pupils themselves. As one message echoed throughout the event: science really does rock.

With its growing popularity and continued success, Chestnuts Primary School’s Science Extravaganza is set to remain a flagship celebration of learning for years to come.

About IFtL

Inspiring Futures through Learning is a multi-academy trust of 1 all through and 20 primary schools across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. IFtL aims to achieve the best possible outcomes for children through school-to-school support, shared expertise and collaborative working. Each school within the trust has its own unique character but shares the vision of inspiring the futures of us all through learning together and preparing children for their futures.