How a patch of moss opened a world of possibility for Year 6 pupils
At first glance, moss might seem unremarkable: a green fuzz on a wall, a spongy patch beneath your feet. But take a closer look (say, under a microscope at 40x magnification), and you’ll discover a whole universe teeming with life.
That’s exactly what happened when we brought Moss Safari to 88 Telscombe Cliffs Primary School who visited the University of Brighton on Monday 9th June 2025.
A Non-Selective Audience, Big Results
Telscombe Cliffs is a non-selective coastal school with a diverse intake. Like many young people in similar contexts, their access to university pathways and science enrichment is often limited. We didn’t expect every child to fall in love with moss — but the results were fantastic.
- 73% enjoyed the session
- 51% said it made them think about going to university
- Microscopy was the most popular part of the session
“There is a whole new world in moss.”
Microscopes, Micro-Life and Macro Impact
Students prepared their own moss water slides, used light microscopes to observe rotifers, tardigrades, and mites, and hunted for moss outside on the university campus. For many, this was the first time they’d ever looked through a microscope — and what they saw was unforgettable.
“Microscope having a tiny universe.”
“Microscopes were brilliant. Nothing to improve.”
This wasn’t just about seeing something small. It was about discovering something big — the thrill of asking questions, investigating, and finding something unexpected. That’s the magic spark where science begins.
From Curiosity to Confidence
We know not every child will walk away wanting to be a scientist. In fact, only 26% of students said the session made them think about becoming one. But that’s still 1 in 4 children who saw science as something they could do — maybe for the first time.
“It was informative. Given very clear instructions and not just ‘you’ll figure it out’.”
“I liked the fact that the helpers were very kind and helpful.”
Those moments of clarity, kindness, and discovery are what build confidence — and confidence raises aspirations.
So, What Will You Discover?
When we ask students, “What did you learn?” they reply with things like:
- “There are bugs in moss.”
- “Moss is like a different world.”
- “That moss has an ecosystem.”
- “That the world is amazing.”
But behind each of those answers is a deeper one:
- “I can be curious.”
- “I can learn something new.”
- “I can do science.”
That’s what Moss Safari is really about.
What did the Headteacher think?
“We took our Year 6 cohort to Brighton University in June 2025 with a focus on microorganisms and ‘aspiration’, given it is one of our five values. We were made to feel extremely welcome, and the children had a fantastic time. They spoke about what they might study if the chose to go to university and also enjoyed using some sophisticated science equipment to explore the mysterious world of microorganisms. The children were impressed with both the knowledge and passion of the university staff. A fabulous day, and we will be back!”
Because sometimes, all it takes is a patch of moss — and a microscope — to change how a child (or an adult) sees the world.
Acknowledgments
A lot of people were involved in organising and supporting this event. Thanks go out to the following teams and people involved:
- University of Brighton ESH Technician Team
- University of Brighton Marketing and Communications Team for covering the event and taking these photos
- University of Brighton Checkland Building Estate and Management Facilities
- Sarah Poore, Mark Deacon and Jude Dean for running the sessions and supporting the whole event
- VITTA Education for supplying the Duralab microscopes
- Mr Ediss and his Year 6 teachers and pupils
Want to bring Moss Safari to your school or community group?
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