Year 6 had an exciting and educational visit from Mrs Oldfield, a Consultant Surgeon at Warrington Hospital, who recently joined their science lesson to share her expertise in colorectal and paediatric surgery.
During the lesson, the girls were introduced to the fascinating world of the digestive system, learning all about the journey food takes through the body and how nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. The lesson quickly became hands-on, as pupils mashed up bread and squirted ‘saliva’ to help break down the food, mimicking the process in the mouth. They then followed the food through the oesophagus (represented by a pipe), the stomach (a plastic bag), and the bowel (tights), before it exited at the other end! While the experiment was a bit messy, it was definitely fun and engaging.
The lesson took an amusing turn when Mrs Oldfield introduced The Bristol Stool Chart, where the girls compared different types of chocolate to the chart, identifying which one was the ‘healthiest’—which led to plenty of giggles!
To finish, Mrs Oldfield demonstrated the critical handwashing and hygiene practices required in surgery, showing the girls the routines and instruments she uses. The pupils were full of questions about her career, and it’s clear we have some budding doctors among us!
A huge thank you to Mrs Oldfield for her time and invaluable expertise, making the lesson both informative and enjoyable for our Year 6 pupils.