FROM learning about blood sucking leeches to launching rockets, primary school children were given a fun day’s introduction to the world of science.

The youngsters were attending the annual STEM Day (science, technology, engineering and maths) hosted by The Arnewood School in New Milton.

Around 150 Year 5 students from Ashley Junior, Milford, Hordle and New Milton Junior schools were treated to a day of workshops, hands on activities and lectures from guest speakers.

The Arnewood School’s headteacher, Chris Hummerstone, said: “We pride ourselves as an outstanding school in many different ways, including maths, science and technology, so what better way of ensuring this continues by getting our future students introduced at an early stage.

“The STEM day is great for showing young people just how much fun learning about science, maths and technology can really be.

“They particularly liked our medieval barber surgeon who showed them the blood sucking leeches and enjoyed themselves immensely taking part in experiments such as building high speed buggies and researching the mathematics behind pendulums.”

During the day the children learned about electricity, the history of science, took part in an online treasure hunt to find golden coins, discovered what would happen if an asteroid hit Earth and learned all about the weather – in French.

A highlight of the day was the turn of medieval barber surgeon McCreadie and his scientific horrors of yesteryear.

The event culminated in the children launching water propelled rockets they had made earlier in the day into the skies over the playground.

Jo Kendall, a teacher from New Milton Junior School, said: “Our children have had an amazing day at The Arnewood School where they have learnt so many new fascinating facts and tales.”