the very special chalk stream habitat that Pilgrims’ is lucky enough to have in its grounds, and the wonderful Bower recently commissioned, I took both my Year 7 classes to explore the subject of river ecology this week, practically.

Armed with waders, nets, trays, pipettes, pooters (a small, handheld device used to collect insects and other small invertebrates from a river habitat – It's essentially a small jar with two tubes: one for suction and the other for breathing, with a fine mesh to prevent the collected organisms from being inhaled!), dichotomous keys (ask your sons what one of these is!) and classification sheets, we set up on the river bank to see what is living in our very own bit of the River Itchen.

The boys had fun, paddling in the shallow waters (who needs waders?), and saw the many different organisms that live in this habitat, including mayfly and stonefly nymphs, caddis fly larvae, fresh-water shrimp, and even some fish (European bull heads). Our resident ducks and duckling stayed away… (I wonder why), but Year 3 can confirm they returned when I took them down to the river to talk about leaves this morning.

We are very lucky to have such wonderful spaces for the teaching of Science!

Ms Bryony Carpenter
Science Teacher