Primary School Testimonials

Greenpark Academy, King’s Lynn, Norfolk

This is the second time we’ve had Jacqui and the team at our school and we’re looking forward to the third. The children (and staff!) loved the day and their experiences are something that they will never forget. Pulse CSI is a great company to use to enhance your learning of Science or to kick off a Science topic with that ‘WOW’ factor.  Thanks again for the day, it was great!

Caroline Chisholm Academy Wooldale Centre for Learning, Northampton

Pulse CSI joined us at Caroline Chisholm School for a day during our transition summer school for students from year 6 who will be joining us in September as year 7s. The students were fully engaged for a whole day. No mean feat when you have got 126 students, who don’t really know each other, in a hall. Parental and student feedback relayed what we had witnessed; the students loved it and put the day at the top of their list of favourite activities. Not only that, the staff loved it too – and had rather a lot of fun dressing up and joining in with the students. Exactly what we were hoping for as students and staff worked together to learn new things about forensic science and then put their morning learning to use by problem-solving in the afternoon. A great, professional company to work with. Thank you.

Longfield Primary School, Harrow, Middlesex

We would like to express our gratitude to Pulse CSI for the forensic science workshop delivered at Longfield Primary School. It was a fantastic real-life experience based on actual work done by CSI Examiners and Scientists. Giving children the opportunity to immerse themselves in their learning, engaging with it at greater depth. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all students and staff. 

We were very impressed by the friendly and professional manner in which the session was conducted as well as the organisation and the quality of the resources provided. Whilst the workshop itself provided ample opportunity for children to acquire new skills and knowledge, it also had the additional benefit of being a great team-building exercise and we were all taken aback by the autonomy of the children when facing challenges, especially in the second half of the day. We are especially grateful for your input on E-Safety, an area often considered laborious and dull, which was brought to life and made totally relatable.  We look forward to inviting you back to school next year.”  Kind Regards, The Year 6 teachers from Longfield Primary School, Harrow, Middlesex

Barton Clough Primary School, Stretford, Manchester

Once again can I say a huge thank you from me to you and Asha for organising and leading the most amazing day ever! To see 120 children on task from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm was just fantastic, especially as there was a whole range of ages and abilities in one hall – no mean feat! In the words of our school secretary in the 24 years I’ve worked at this school, we’ve never had a day as good as this! The children were motivated, enthusiastic and so keen to learn and apply the techniques you showed them. These are some quotes from the children I interviewed today: ‘It’s a good way to learn Science . . It is more interesting when you’re doing it. ‘I really enjoyed using the different equipment and dressing up as a CSI investigator. That was really cool. ‘I learnt that you have to wear the white suits to prevent your DNA from getting mixed up with other evidence. I didn’t know that before. ‘I loved it because it was really interactive’. ‘It’s a lot more complicated than what you see on the TV CSI!!’ The children have been buzzing all day today to tell me about the things they enjoyed. I’m so glad it was such a success and there is no doubt about us asking you back next year! 

Moorfield Primary School, Irlam, Manchester

Our children really enjoyed the full day experience with Pulse. They were very hands-on and gripped from the very beginning. All resources were well prepared and the children enjoyed using new and exciting equipment. One child said, “It’s the best day ever I’ve really enjoyed it!” I would thoroughly recommend Jacqui for a unique scientific experience for KS2 children. Her demonstration on E-Safety was particularly useful to our children. Jacqui was friendly yet very professional, we enjoyed having her at our school and look forward to her coming again! 

Hall Green Primary School, West Bromwich, West Midlands

Dear Jacqui, I wanted to write to thank you for providing our Y5 with such an amazing day with your CSI Forensic Science experience. We have many different visitors come to school to provide all sorts of great activities for our children, but never before have I been bombarded with such enthusiasm from both adults and children as I walked down the corridor, none of whom could help themselves from interrupting one another in their eagerness to tell me what they had been doing. I think that the children’s enthusiasm and engagement were captured perfectly in a comment made by a child: 

“I will remember this day for the rest of my life”.Teachers and support staff were equally positive, praising the well-pitched challenge and independent learning experiences you provided throughout the day. When one of the Y5 teachers wanted to double-check that he could book the CSI experience because the cost was higher than other providers, I will admit that I did a little more than hesitate! However, I now have no hesitation whatsoever in stating that this day was worth every single penny. Neither do I have any hesitation in saying that will be booking you next year and for many years to come. Thank you!

St. Margaret’s C of E Primary School, Stoke Golding, Leicestershire

We recently had the pleasure of hosting a highly interesting, informative, educational and inspiring practical session, courtesy of Pulse Education and Business Services. Jacqui Thompson was the consummate professional and delivered the sessions in a highly motivating manner, engaging the children from the very start. The sessions are very much ‘hands-on with the children being taught a variety of techniques for evidence gathering and analysis during the morning session, followed by the opportunity to apply these independently in the afternoon. There were many highlights of the day including • Activities that the children had never taken part in before. • The opportunity for the children to handle and use high-quality scientific equipment • Getting dressed up in their SOCO Suits as Scene of Crime Officers (the staff of course entering into the spirit too!) • It was a delight to see the interaction between the two-year groups as they worked intently to be the first to identify correctly the perpetrator of the crime. On return to class, all of the children were ‘buzzing’ with excitement, all of whom have now decided that their future careers lie in solving crimes! Silent Witness has nothing on my students now! 

The organised day’s activities also led to some high-quality discussion and writing as follow up. Jacqui also included a short CEOP session, this supplemented work that had already been done in school and almost gave it ‘extra impact’ being delivered as part of this day; the children definitely took the messages to heart Jacqui provided follow up material in the form of photographs of the sessions which have been a source of great interest throughout the school. Quotes from the children who participated include: ‘This has been the best day ever at school’ ‘I wish I could do it all over again tomorrow’ ‘I would give today ten out of ten and recommend it to all schools’ ‘I want to be a Scene of Crime Officer, or, maybe a Chief Inspector!’ We had a great day and would not hesitate to highly recommend the workshop to other schools.

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Broadway, Derby, DE22 1AU 

We had a fantastic day when PulseCSI came to our school. Our topic was detectives and this day was part of our topic. The children were excited and enthused by the day and are still talking about it! Many of the children have been so inspired by the wonderful day that they are aspiring to be forensic detectives. Jacqui pitched the activities and information at a perfect level for our years 3 and 4s. Thank you Jacqui and hope to see you again when our topic comes around. 

Manor Leas Junior School, North Hykeham, Lincoln, Lincolnshire

What an amazing day! Jacqui and her team came to visit us in November 2015 and provided an awe-inspiring day for our Y5 children. Not only did they provide all of the resources (down to the pencils & scissors!), but they also managed to teach 86 at the same time; it was heaven for the teachers!  All the activities were engaging and the children were enthusiastic to know more about the skills of a forensic scientist. The afternoon session was well thought out; allowing the children to independently use the skills they had learnt in the morning to find the criminal.

Woodston Primary School, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

We all enjoyed the Forensic Science Workshop – it provided an excellent starting activity for our Crime and Punishment theme. The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and were fully engaged and absorbed in the various activities throughout the day. I hope we will repeat the topic next year and will certainly re-book if we do. Once again, thanks so much – it was an amazing workshop!

Byron Primary School, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Thank you so much for coming to our school!! The whole day was excellent from start to finish and gave the children a real insight into the workings of science and investigation. Our children really benefitted from the “hidden” side of the day – the teamwork, collaboration and hands-on experiences. 

These really benefitted our children and our inner-city school as a whole. Many of our children do not have the same privileges and experiences as others – many come from large families where teamwork is not a normal way of life. The day gave some of our children the exact experiences they needed!!  I would also like to thank Jacqui for her input into internet safety. Lots of children access the internet on a daily basis, with many not realising the dangers it brings and the responsibility needed. This is exactly what schools should be promoting.  Thank you for a truly wonderful and exciting experience!

St. Elphin’s Primary School, Warrington, Cheshire

Many thanks again for the session you did on Tuesday at our school, the children all thoroughly enjoyed it and the staff did too! From start to finish the entire day was well organised and resourced, enabling all of the children to access the activities that were planned and develop brand new skills. The taking of fingerprints, handprints, shoe treads and looking at hair through a microscope, allowed the children to discover what CSIs actually do and to understand what would actually happen if they committed a crime in real life.

The 90 children that participated were engaged for the entire day and the fact that so many of them remained in their CSI outfits (despite the warm weather) just showed their commitment to the session and activities that they were given. This really is a credit to what you do. In the afternoon, we saw some of our quieter children really come out of their shells and fully participate in solving who had committed the murder, which was great to see too.  St. Elphin’s thank you once again for such an amazing day!

Mandeville Primary School, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Thank you very much for the CSI day. The kids had a brilliant time (and the adults had a good day too!!) We received the CD today with some excellent photos. I would be pleased to write a testimonial, “The activities were well-pitched and superbly resourced. The children gained an excellent understanding of the difficult concepts of DNA through hands-on experience. This was an unforgettable day for the children!” Thanks again! 

St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Wilford, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

What an incredible day our Year 4 and 5 pupils had as CSIs! The morning activities were like a boot camp for wannabe forensic scientists! The children were fully engaged throughout, taking fingerprints and fibre samples and learning how to use all the various pieces of equipment. In the afternoon the children were given a ‘real-life’ scenario where they had to apply their new skills. Dressed in white suits and armed with their tool kits they were raring to go. The only problem was getting them to stop! Thank you for a truly memorable day and one we are looking forward to doing again next year. 

Rauceby C of E School, Rauceby, Lincolnshire

The children really enjoyed the afternoon. I had parents coming in saying how much the children had enjoyed the session and how enthused they were when they got home. I even had a couple of children say that they fancied getting into forensics as a career. Many of them expressed a wish that the session had been longer and that they could have had greater time for more hands-on activities as they really enjoyed the hand and fingerprinting. The keyring as a keepsake was an inspired idea.

Oak Hill Primary School, Solihull, West Midlands

Thank you for a really interesting, active and well delivered day that engaged the children from start to finish. All of the activities were very well resourced and most importantly the underlying science skills were carefully developed throughout the day so that by the end the adults became almost redundant as 30 11-year old CSIs attacked a crime scene with rigour and bucket loads of enthusiasm. Thank you once again, both the children and the adults had a really great time!   Ben hasn’t stopped talking about the fab light, fingerprint types and gadgets. More of the same fun learning days please !!!”

Bottesford Junior School, Scunthorpe, North East Lincolnshire

The forensic science day was excellent – the children were really engaged all day. They even worked straight through the morning and afternoon breaks without even asking about it, they were so engrossed in the activities. I was jealous! It looked amazing, they were loving it.  From a personal point of view (Elaine Monteith – Year 6 Teacher) 

From our initial interest, through to booking and then the day itself, Pulse CSI were efficient, extremely well resourced and completely in control. Our children had a day they will never forget and some are even determined to follow it through and enter the forensic science profession. If it raised aspirations, promoted enthusiasm for science and generated genuine interest in something other than the Xbox, it was more than worth it. Brilliant. Thank you, Jacqui – good luck for the future.

Whittington Primary School, Whittington, Staffordshire 

A fantastic day! The workshop ensured that all children became motivated and engaged in science and other areas of the curriculum that they didn’t even realise they were doing. Many children now look forward to science. All of the sessions were well organised and resourced. In the morning session, the CEOP element was really effective. The children then went onto to learn and practice a variety of skills including dusting and identifying fingerprints; collecting shoe prints and identifying fibres. All of these skills prepared the children for a brilliant afternoon of crime scene investigation. A crime scene had been set up and the children were given a context and a list of suspects. They applied the morning’s skills effectively and collected evidence to inform their conclusion about the murderer. The children really enjoyed the whole day! Thank you for making it so wonderful. 

Derby High School, Derby, Derbyshire

I would like to thank you again for the wonderful forensic science workshop you ran on Monday to a group of Year 6 students. I am always amazed by the amount of kit you bring – the students are very lucky to learn about and experience first-hand the wide range of techniques you cover.  They are engaged from start to finish, but clearly, the highlight is the afternoon session when they dress in their scene of crime white suits, gloves, overshoes and mask to solve the crime scene you prepare for each group. The comments I heard at the end of the day- “wonderful”, “amazing”, “awesome”, ” so cool”- sum up their experience. We look forward to welcoming you back next year! 

St Andrews Primary School, Leasingham, Lincolnshire

The children went home buzzing with excitement and that is all down to you. Once again you brought ‘a day in a box’ to our school – the level and quality of the resources are fantastic and make the whole process very ‘real’. The children loved the skills-based learning in the morning but thoroughly enjoyed the crime scene activity in the afternoon where they were able to apply the skills learnt earlier and solve an investigation.  

This was a super opportunity for the children to experience science but in another form than that which is taught in school – hopefully, we have inspired those children to consider science in the future. It also caused quite a buzz around the school when they saw the ‘CSI’ investigators (clad in white protective suits and masks) walking through to the ‘crime scene’!  Once again many thanks for a fabulous day and we look forward to seeing you in school in the future. 

St. John’s C of E Stanmore, Harrow, Middlesex

The only word to describe the ‘Pulse Forensic Science Workshop’ we held for our Year 6 pupils post-SATs is inspiring. It’s hard to decide who was more excited – the staff or the students. From the moment we stepped into the hall, we were transported through space and time to take on the role of SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers). The first session engaged the children in the various evidence collection techniques, which were then followed by a practical application of these skills during a mock crime scene.  We were told that the children would thrive during this experience and that we should keep a ‘hands-off’ approach to allow the children to flourish. 

We were sceptical at first as our previous experiences with this type of group work had generally been unsuccessful. But then – MAGIC! All of the children not only engaged, but they engaged with one another as a group.  I cannot put into words what an enriching experience this has been for our children but would highly recommend ‘pulse’ to anyone who is looking to inspire their children. 

St. John’s C.E. Primary School, West Midlands 

“What an incredible and excellent day! All the Teachers and children were in awe of the day’s activities as they unfolded! The session was completely hands-on and delivered at the right pace and pitch, capturing the children’s attention from the very start! Jacqui and Emily were fantastic with the children and the resources and activities were incredible! The children had been doing some media production in the lead up to the day so expectations and excitement were high… but boy did you deliver! Without a doubt, we will definitely be recommending and rebooking you again! Thanks very much.” Thanks for such a wonderful session, it was truly brilliant. This won’t be the last you hear from us, looking forward to seeing you again in the future! 

Earl Spencer Primary School, Northampton

The workshop was superb! Our children were gripped after the morning session where Jacqui taught them the skills and techniques of investigating a crime through practical and thoroughly engaging activities. The way Jacqui delivered the session ensured that all pupils were able to access information about forensic science at a level much higher than I anticipated. Our children were in mixed ability groups of Y5/6 pupils which worked well with regards to pupils being given the chance to take the lead if they don’t usually get the chance to. The use of authentic/real material and resources in both the morning and afternoon sessions was of a standard that our school wouldn’t be able to provide if we had decided to try to set up a crime scene ourselves. Children were so excited when they realised they would get to wear a SOCO suit and investigate a crime scene. For children whose appropriate levels of good behaviour can sometimes be an issue, their behaviour was exceptional throughout the day — I was hugely impressed! Jacqui was exceptionally well prepared and planned — even staying over in a nearby hotel the night before to ensure snowy weather wouldn’t delay her arrival. She took photographs throughout the day and posted them on a disk to us the following day for us to use at our leisure. Thank you for such a wonderful and inspiring day! We will definitely hope to have you back in the future!

Fairfield Road Primary School, Tameside, Manchester, Lancashire

Thank you for a truly amazing day yesterday. The children (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are highly motivated in continuing our science topic. The Head was extremely impressed when he walked through the hall commenting that every single child was excited yet on task. I asked the children their thoughts and Nieve commented, ‘Thanks for letting us keep the suits because we were so well behaved’. I think Mohammad summarised it beautifully, ‘It was an amazing experience we will never forget and cherish forever. 

Great Abington Primary School, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire 

Our school hall was transformed into a Crime Scene Investigation as our 80 Ks2 pupils were engaged, challenged and enthralled by PulseCSI and their approach to scientific enquiry and teamwork. Having had 20 years experience of in enrichment activities the PulseCSI day is amongst the best I have seen for impact on all pupils. In terms of value for money, the day is exceptional and deals with higher-order problem solving and communication skills. The amount and quality of the content impressed all staff and pupils. Know that pupils will remember the CSI day at Great Abington Primary for the rest of their lives! 

Why was the day so successful?  

The quality of the resources and materials provided by Jacqui ensured pupils connected with the processes, learning and contexts provided throughout the day.

All pupils learnt scientific and general knowledge facts.

Scientific learning was related to each individual and created a real buzz and ownership of learning.

All resources are provided and of high quality.

In the afternoon pupils and staff were fully immersed as Scene Of Crime Officers wearing full-body suits, gloves, masks and shoe covers.

Activities related to real-life scenarios and concepts, ideas and situations pupils had read about or seen on TV, online and in films.

Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of the activities. Mixed teams of pupils from Y3 to Y6 supported and learnt together for the whole day.

Jacqui ensures that the day is fully inclusive and equitable for pupils.

E-safety is integrated into the session and provides up to date, relevant advice and guidance for all pupils.

Display resources are created on the day and a DVD of images and video is provided.

A week after the event pupils, staff and the wider school community are still referring to the day and as a launch for our ‘Crime & Punishment’ topic, the outcomes could not have been better. Our expectations had been exceeded and we look forward to many more days with the PulseCSI team in the future.

Windhill Primary School in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

The pupils of Windhill School had an inspiring and thought-provoking day with the CSI team which fitted perfectly into a whole-school ‘Crime Week’. Brimming with enthusiasm, they were immersed in their learning and developed their forensic, deductive and inquiry skills. The resources were first class and the whole event seemed real to the children. Parents were buzzing and the day was worth every penny. Long-lastingly memorable! 

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, New Malden, Surrey

A few weeks ago, our year 6 children participated in Pulse’s forensic science workshop as part of our Crime and Punishment topic. The day was spectacular!  From the moment Jacqui introduced herself, the children were hooked. As such an unexplored area in the primary curriculum, they had so many questions before the day and Jacqui was able to pass on a whole wealth of knowledge. 

One of the day’s best qualities was that it was so practical. All of the children got to participate in the fingerprinting, fibre analysis etc. and the fact that this was then applied to a crime scene made the learning so much more worthwhile.  The afternoon was even better than the morning, with the children donning their SOCO suits and having a go a solving a crime. 

All of the equipment and pieces of evidence were so realistic, that even the teachers were sucked in! We were really impressed with how much was fitted into the day and how organised Jacqui was with everything she had brought along.  Overall it was a fantastic day and well worth the money. We would highly recommend it to other schools and teachers, even if you’re not focusing on crime and punishment. It gave me many opportunities to work as a team and practise problem-solving skills as well.

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary, Nottingham 

The Forensic Science workshops that we took part in during NSEW Week 2014 were a fantastic way to excite children about real-life science! The children learned the importance of forensics and were able to acquire many forensic skills throughout the morning as the sessions were so well planned and resourced. The attention to planning and detail by Jacqui and the team meant we were able to cram so much learning (and fun!) 

Barnfields Primary School, Stafford, Staffordshire 

After 12 years of teaching, I can hand on heart say that the C.S.I. The forensic science workshop was the best educational experience my classes have EVER had! I can not recommend it highly enough. The buzz of learning, from start to finish was amazing! The children got knee-deep in the skills of forensic science and left the school that day with a pep in their step, deeper love and appreciation of science and to top it all off – a full SOCO outfit! 

St Sebastian’s Primary School, Grantham, Lincolnshire 

Pulse CSI came to our school for a day’s workshop and wow! – the children absolutely loved it!  Jacqui, who was leading the day, was fantastic with the children and they were fully engaged from the word go. The day was well thought out with an excellent range of activities with all the children taking part all of the time!   

The children loved all the materials they got to take home and keep. The highlight of the day was the afternoon session where the children competed against each other to solve crimes using the skills they had been taught earlier.  All of the teaching and activities also complimented our Science lessons – a fantastic day all around and we will definitely be booking again! THANKS! 

Oaklands Primary School, Biggin Hill, Kent 

The CSI workshop was fabulous and engaging for all abilities from beginning to end. All the pupils were really excited to be delving into the real world of detective work and forensics, which was brought to life by the hands-on experiences of making ‘take-home’ records of their own fingerprints, footprints and evidence from the crime scene!  

They loved donning the forensic suits, gloves and masks and it was great to see them working so well in teams, problem-solving together to eliminate the suspects and independently using a range of equipment and techniques. I just hope we can do it again next year.