Battle Abbey youngsters hoping for baby ducks

Having got to the halfway mark, youngsters finally had the chance to check on their progress and with teacher Mrs Debbie Williamson were able to inspect each egg in term.

They used the candling lamp to do this and there was much debate as to which eggs were showing signs of development and which ones were favourite to hatch into chicks when 28 days are up.

Mrs Williamson said: "Incubating duck eggs in the classroom provides an excellent hands-on science experience for the children and has led to lots of exciting discussion in the classroom.

"We have discussed which animals lay eggs, and how they look after them.

"It has provided a great opportunity for the children to see growth happening firsthand and look, through careful observation, at the development of the duckling in the egg.

"The children have enjoyed researching about our Indian runner ducks on the internet and this has given them a great opportunity to use their ICT skills.

"Growing Duck eggs in the classroom requires a lot of hard work but luckily we have an incubator with an automatic egg turner. The children can't wait for the ducklings to hatch and, I have to admit, neither can I."

Battle Abbey Prep School's upcoming Open Days will be held on Thursday, March 19th and Saturday, March 21st from 10-12 noon.