Science
At East Ardsley Primary Academy, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires. In a time of great change and uncertainty in the modern world the role of science is to give all our children an understanding of the impact we have on the world we live in and what we can do to ensure we limit our negative impact as much as possible.
The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of our children; encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment, and provide opportunities for the critical evaluation of evidence.
At East Ardsley Primary Academy, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:
- 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
- Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
- Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
- Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
- Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
- Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.
The National Curriculum provides the structure and skill development for the science curriculum being taught throughout school, which is linked - where possible - to topics to provide a creative scheme of work and to put the children’s learning into an understandable context. It reflects a balanced programme of study.
At East Ardsley Primary Academy:
Children have regular lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using various programmes of study and resources. We take an active approach to the teaching of science and ensure that the skills and knowledge the children are exposed to lead on from their prior learning. Time is taken at the start of the topic to establish what the children already know and then the children are assessed at the end of the topic to find out what they have learnt.
In Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1, scientific knowledge and understanding is developed through the use of provision indoor and outdoor. Several key concepts are explored through planned activities whilst others are developed through questioning and play. Children of all ages are given lots of opportunity to discuss and explain their scientific thinking, what they have found out through their work and how they think this applies to them and their world.
Additional opportunities are provided in Science, such as school trips, involvement in local projects such as Urban Rangers and Air Pollution Project, links with Woodkirk Academy, and science specialist workshops. These enable children to broaden their thinking and to experience how to challenge and improve our environment.
We endeavour to ensure that the Science curriculum we provide will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences. We feel it is our role as educators to make children aware of the impact we have on the world and what we can do to ensure we are able to have a positive impact on our environment if we behave responsibly.
skills progression grids for SCIENCE
Useful Links
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/article/finding-out
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks1/science/
