INNOVATION IN SCIENCE

 

As the world continues to change we keep up to date with current scientific developments, embedding that knowledge into our units, developed from the National Curriculum and the Kent Scheme of Work. Through continued reflection and professional development opportunities, our teachers are empowered with the knowledge and confidence to explore and use a variety of resources to maintain a fresh and exciting approach to learning. Wherever appropriate, teachers will extend children’s access to the world of science through a range of online resources and virtual reality experiences; in UKS2 this is enhanced through their access to personal chrome books. They are also able to use photo, video and spreadsheet software to record and present data. 

BEING A CENTRE OF SCIENCE EXCELLENCE

 

The Kent scheme of work provides suggestions of how children should work scientifically as well as concise subject knowledge, vocabulary and information about key scientists relating to each unit. It also includes many examples of practical activities to guide and inspire teachers to plan science lessons of the highest standard. As a school, we will continue to develop and expand our variety of science resources, allowing teachers the opportunity to plan exciting and inspiring lessons with the emphasis on learning through hands-on activities and experiences. We aim to extend children’s experiences and raise the profile of science annually, with exciting events and activities during a Science Week. A whole school approach to exploring the science surrounding current world events will give children an added stimulus for the development of their own passion for learning about the world. 

TALENT DISCOVERY OF PUPILS IN SCIENCE

 

Using our links with other schools including secondary, we are able to extend the experiences we offer to children who are highly attaining or show a natural aptitude for Science through the school’s ambitious Scholars Programme. Identified Y5 and 6 pupils whose trajectory indicates their future candidacy for triple science are selected to go to our linked Swale Academy secondary school, once a week for a term, to take part in science activities within a provision with specialist teachers, resources and equipment. 

A BALANCE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE AND ENJOYMENT IN SCIENCE

 

Based on the National Curriculum, there is a clear progression of learning in biology, chemistry and physics.  Science is taught discretely, often linked to class termly topics, and extended time is allocated in timetables to the teaching of Science.

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To promote curiosity and enjoyment in Science, the school recognises children learn best when they have opportunities to be actively involved in practical, open ended and challenging learning experiences that encourage creativity.  Development in the skills of scientific enquiry is therefore a priority.  In Years 1-6 the first term is dedicated to reinforcing the five types of enquiry:

• Observing changes over time 

• Noticing patterns

• Grouping and classifying things (noticing similarities and differences) 

• Comparative and fair testing 

• Finding things out using secondary sources of information (researching) 

 

These types of enquiry are subsequently used across the different science areas as appropriate in Terms 2-6.

RAISING ASPIRATIONS & LIFE CHANCES IN SCIENCE

 

Where possible we use science to broaden horizons and make links to future life interests and  the world of work. Jobs that are based on knowledge and interest in science are manyfold and we look for every opportunity to explore these links through Science topics, the Careers Fair, inviting in visitors and off-site activities / school trips.

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Through local  links we continue to develop exciting opportunities for hands-on, outdoor learning experiences in the grounds of Langney Priory.  For example, a conservation project has been driven by the School Council and the pupils from Y2 -6 have voted on the creature they want to help conserve at the Priory. 
 

HEALTH & WELLBEING IN SCIENCE

 

Science lessons offer many opportunities to discuss and explore health and wellbeing; learning about how our bodies work, maintaining a healthy body through diet and investigating the effects of physical activity are all important aspects of our Science curriculum.  It is also closely linked to our PSHE and RSE curriculum. Through learning about Science and thinking scientifically we want to empower our  pupils with knowledge and skills to make healthy life choices and open up possibilities for their future.