Mr Joshua Piggott

Winner: 2021 Early Career Prize for Excellence in Primary Education

St Nicholas' C of E First School

For dedication, enthusiasm and effectiveness in the delivery of quality-first science pedagogy for children aged 4–9, while breaking down the stereotypes of the classic portrayal of a scientist.

Celebrate Mr Joshua Piggott

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Findings show that science is not always given prominence as a core subject in Primary schools. As Science lead, Joshua has ensured that assessment of science is rigorous and that the science curriculum is carefully planned in small steps to progressively build upon prior learning. He worked to raise science’s prominence within school and the wider community, by providing enriching, memorable opportunities to enhance learning and promote science capital. One way he did this was to lead a whole-school Science Week in 2021.

The disruption to children’s education during the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant, including the loss of engagement activities. Joshua organised the whole-school Science Week to try and make up for this. At the beginning of the week, all children and staff dressed as what they perceived a scientist to be. The school was littered with the stereotypical “Mad Professor” look. In breaking down the stereotypes, Joshua organised for all classes to see videos clips by various local scientists, including a geologist, midwife, doctor, and an electrician. This broke down stereotypes as well as making the children realise that these career paths were well within reach.

Furthermore, a series of visitors (with scientific backgrounds) came in to meet with the children, including beekeepers, air ambulance first responders and university researchers. The invited researchers included both females and males, in addition to a BAME researcher, who could all be seen as visible role models for the students. This helped to further breakdown stereotypes and promote the sciences as a career accessible for all.

Joshua is a Class Teacher and Science Lead at St. Nicholas’ CE First school.

Prior to his career in education, he graduated with a First Class degree in BA (Hons) History at Cardiff University and then undertook his PGCE in Primary with Science Specialism, graduating with a Distinction and a QTS at Outstanding level at the University of Warwick.

Thereafter, he became Science Lead at St. Nicholas’. He has subsequently led his team, with passion and commitment for the subject, through celebratory science events, such as ‘International Women’s Day in Science’ and ‘Farmvention’, and a successful OFSTED ‘Deep Dive’ in science pedagogy. As well as leading within school, he has delivered a presentation “Developing the role of a Science Lead” at the University of Warwick.

For Joshua, research-informed practice ensures that children are provided with high quality opportunities to maximise learning progress. He has therefore continued to engage with current research and studies to further develop the science provision offered by the school. He is currently completing his National Professional Qualification in Middle Leadership (Educational Leadership) from the University of Wolverhampton.

Joshua believes that science is about providing children with hands-on, memorable learning experiences with opportunities for them to lead their own enquiries as well as developing science capital throughout schools. In turn, providing children with rich, varied opportunities to pave the way for them to eagerly become innovative scientists of the future.

I have been fortunate to have been inspired by my own teachers, within schools and universities. Now, I am inspired by the children I teach each day to further develop my role in education.

Q+A

How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?

I was always naturally inquisitive to understand the world around me. A standout moment was when I was in GCSE Chemistry and I was taught by an inspirational teacher, Dr Beard. He was innovative in his teaching and had a great impact on many pupils. I will always remember his explanation of the forming of tectonic plates using the heating of milk to understand and explore such a big phenomenon. As well as this, he also encouraged us to write song lyrics about what we had learned in GCSE Chemistry to Katy Perry’s song track, which was cool at the time!

Who or what inspired you to have a role in education?

My answer to this question is constantly evolving. I have been fortunate to have been inspired by my own teachers, within schools and universities. Now, I am inspired by the children I teach each day to further develop my role in education.

How can good science education support solving global challenges?

Children are very motivated to help protect our world and science education can raise the importance of sustainability.

What is your favourite element?

My favourite element is Oxygen for all the life that it gives.