Science
A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Aims
develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
We also strive to ensure we provide children with the ability to ‘Work scientifically’ i.e the understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science. This is not taught as a separate strand but is embedded within the content of biology, chemistry and physics, using the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions at an age appropriate level. This aims to includes: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing (controlled investigations); and researching using secondary sources. Pupils are encouraged
to seek answers to questions through collecting, analysing and presenting data.
Assessing the learning
Each class follows our school assessment system to assess the child's knowledge and working scientifically skills. The assessment sheets set out the objectives linked to each topic covered where the pupils' knowledge is judged as 'basic, advancing or deep'.
Methods of assessing includes:
Observing pupils’ actions
Listening to their ideas and discussions
Setting tasks specifically designed so that the actions or responses can be assessed
Creating dialogue during discussions
Concept maps
Written tests at the end of topic if necessary