The Hutt Science programme for primary and intermediate schools is now available in Upper Hutt, thanks to initial funding from Upper Hutt City Council.

Hutt Science, which has been successfully operating in Hutt City since 2015, is now available to Upper Hutt primary and intermediate schools. The programme was officially launched today at a gathering at Upper Hutt City Council. Local school principals and senior staff members were in attendance.

Hutt Science’s mission is to engage and enthuse children about science and technology and to make hands-on science curricula easily accessible to students. This is achieved by providing a resource library of over 50 easy-to-use ‘hands-on’ science kits, which are delivered to schools weekly and then collected and restocked by volunteer staff. The programme also provides professional development sessions each term for teachers and provides the opportunity for them to connect with the local science community.

In 2017 Upper Hutt City Council funded a Hutt Science pilot programme for three Upper Hutt schools—Pinehaven, Trentham, and Fergusson Intermediate. The regularly-ordered kits were used by a large number of students from years 1 – 8. Teachers within these schools also embraced the opportunities for professional development in science. The pilot led to teachers delivering a lot more ‘hands-on’ science experience with resulting higher levels of engagement from students.

“There is a shortage in the country, of people who are skilled in science and technology and if we can engage and encourage more local young people in the science and technology field, this can only better our community and, in the longer term, contribute to the local and national economy,” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy.

Based on the pilot results, feedback, and the longer-term success of the Hutt Science programme in Hutt City, Upper Hutt City Council is providing funding to ensure that the Hutt Science programme will be available to all Upper Hutt Primary and Intermediate Schools in 2018.

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