Pupils follow in Darwin’s footsteps at Bromley school

The school, which is on the same grounds revolutionary scientist Charles Darwin conducted some of his research into evolution, hosted a unique event celebrating his legacy with a day of immersive scientific exploration. Led by Mr Atherton, Science Lead at Bishop Justus CE School, the event aimed to inspire a new generation of naturalists by encouraging pupils to walk quite literally in Darwin’s footsteps. The day offered children the rare opportunity to compare their findings to those made by Darwin himself in the 1800s.

Throughout the day, pupils worked scientifically using Darwin’s original methods, posing questions, observing with hand lenses, recording their thoughts in field notebooks, and analysing their findings using scientific language and techniques.

The day’s activities were designed to provide pupils with a hands-on experience of fieldwork, rooted in the methods employed by Darwin himself. Pupils engaged in pond dipping in Emma’s Pond, named in honour of Darwin’s wife, where they observed and recorded evidence of aquatic biodiversity. They also undertook worm charming exercises, enabling them to investigate and compare earthworm populations across a range of habitats, including the allotment and areas adjacent to the pond. In addition, the children conducted bug hunts, bird surveys and plant life assessments.

The overarching question: How has the local environment in Cudham changed since Darwin’s time? guided pupils’ investigations, helping them develop not only practical scientific skills, but also an understanding of long-term environmental change.

Darwin Day provided a truly inspiring opportunity for children to learn beyond the classroom, working as field scientists to collect evidence, reason with their findings, and contribute to a growing body of knowledge across all Aquinas schools. The data collected will be uploaded to a central digital platform, allowing schools across the Trust to compare and contrast species and habitats in their own local areas.

This annual event continues to grow in significance, sparking curiosity, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the natural world, following the path Darwin laid out.

Lisa Askew, Headteacher at Cudham CE Primary School, said: “We were pleased to welcome pupils from across Aquinas CE Education Trust to our school grounds for Darwin Day.

“We always actively encourage our children to engage with nature in such a hands-on and thoughtful way. By revisiting Darwin’s original research grounds, we’re not only teaching scientific skills, but also showing them how their observations can contribute to a larger scientific conversation.”