Superworms, nature ninjas and a skeleton crew will take school pupils from across Aberdeen city and shire on a journey of discovery at the 2017 May Festival.
Around a thousand school pupils will descend on the University of Aberdeen’s King’s College campus for three days of fun and learning beginning on Wednesday (May 24).
Pupils from P1 to P7 will take part in a host of free workshops covering science, music, history and storytelling as part of the May Festival’s dedicated schools’ programme.
Those taking part will help to uncover the history of their city on a dig with archaeologists from the University who are searching for a ‘lost’ grammar school which was once attached to the 500-year-old King’s College Chapel.
They will have an opportunity to assist with the dig and learn from experts about historic schooling – where strict conditions meant students were only permitted to speak in Latin and undertook a gruelling regime of classes and prayers.
Pupils will also learn about what our bones can tell us about our history and health with the Skeleton Crew and what makes earthworms so strong and the vital role they play in our ecology in a Superworm session.
Other highlights include workshops on nature’s ninjas exploring the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, a look at amazing air and the power of wind energy, a traditional music session learning to play the pennywhistle and an investigation into what happens when we eat and how microbes help us to get the most out of our food.
May Festival organiser Lottie Rodger said the Schools’ Festival plays a vital role in introducing young people to the University of Aberdeen.
“Our Schools’ programme at the May Festival is always immensely popular and this year is no exception,” she said.
“We are delighted to welcome pupils from Newtonhill to Bridge of Don and are sure they will have great time discovering something new and taking in the surroundings of our beautiful King’s Campus.
“The Schools’ Festival is the precursor to our main May Festival running from Friday May 26 to Sunday May 28 where we also have a dedicated programme for children and families running across Saturday and Sunday. Many of our events are free of charge and don’t require booking in advance so we would encourage anyone who has enjoyed our Schools’ programme and wants to discover more – or who missed out on the sessions - to come along and get involved.”
Sandra McLennan, Corporate Social Responsibility Leader for Total EP UK, added: “The May Festival really does have something for everyone and it’s fantastic that children get to sample a taste of what’s on offer at their very own exclusive Schools’ Festival.
Having the opportunity to take part in exciting and unusual activities such as the King’s Dig will open up a world of learning and new adventures for them. We are delighted to support the 2017 May Festival and helping to provide free activities and workshops for our Aberdeen City and Shire primary schools to experience and enjoy.”
The May Festival, which is sponsored by Total EP UK, will welcome actor and TV presenter Tony Robinson and Call the Midwife star Laura Main. It will also include sessions on history, music, science and discovery, literature and culture. To view the full programme visit www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival.