Our Prep School’s annual Science in a Shoe Box competition, now in its third year, stands as a brilliant embodiment of the school’s thematic learning approach, rooted in the core vision “Small box, HUGE thinking”. This competition redefines science learning by breaking down subject barriers, with a carefully designed framework that balances scientific accuracy with creativity and presentation, making it an inclusive and engaging journey for students.
Bridging Science with Other Disciplines
Science in a Shoe Box is designed to celebrate much more than scientific facts. While each project is rooted in science, pupils naturally draw on a wide range of other subjects. Making models links closely to art and design, while labelling and explanations develop key English skills. Many projects involve measuring, counting, or scaling, reinforcing mathematics, and topics such as habitats, weather, or the Earth connect directly to geography. In this way, students experience science as part of a wider, interconnected curriculum.
Mr Tennant
Prep Teacher & Science Coordinator
By valuing both academic rigour and creativity, Science in a Shoe Box reflects an integrated approach to learning and helps develop confident, curious, and well-rounded learners.
Nurturing Holistic Skills
The competition fosters a holistic set of key skills, transforming pupils into inventors, builders, explorers and storytellers. They develop hands-on ability, creativity, critical thinking and clear communication, while learning to think independently, solve problems and persevere through challenges. More than just skill-building, it is a living training ground for the school’s 8C Values: pupils don’t just learn the values from a poster, but practice them through every cut of cardboard and burst of inspiration. It also plants a lasting seed of scientific curiosity, showing pupils science is not just a classroom subject, but a way to see and interact with the world, curiosity that grows long after the competition ends.
This is what the thematic approach at Prep School is all about, connecting students’ learning to become a creative, knowledgeable, and skilled thinker. The winner selection criteria focus on the “whole package”, as Ms Bateman, our Head of Prep School shared,
Mr Bateman
Head of Prep School
We were looking for a project that combined a smart brain, a clear idea, good thinking, clever hands, creative build, and a big heart, passion, and clear communication.
Results and Awards
The "Science in a Shoebox" activity has come to a successful end. The list of winning participants for this event is announced below, and let's applaud them for their wonderful ideas and practical exploration!
Kingfisher Class
Owais, Tala
Zebra & Penguin Class
Cody, Osman, Joyce, Julie, Hoyun, Caerus, Elliott, Ivy, Acacia
Kangaroo Class
Sonny, Anson, Abigail, Skyler
Pine & Daffodil Class
Xandra, David, Estrella, Aiden
Cherry Blossom & Sunflower Class
Talya, Nara, Justin
Elm & Lotus Class
Charlotte, Alyssha, Cory, Sharon
The greatest highlight of “Science in a Shoe Box” is its ability to nurture confident, curious and well-rounded learners, aligning perfectly with LEH Foshan Prep’s learning goals and values. This small shoebox is more than a project; it’s a symbol of LEH Foshan Prep School’s commitment to integrated learning, empowering pupils to become creative problem-solvers for the future.
Visit https://www.leh-foshan.cn/academic-en/prep-school-ages-6-10-years-2-6 to learn more about our Prep School Curriculum.