Learning to drive a dumper truck at Bring it On! engineering exhibition

Rationale

The study of science fires pupils’ curiosity about phenomena in the world around them and offers opportunities to find explanations. Pupils develop their scientific skills in order to extend their understanding of the scientific method. They also discover how scientific ideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. They trace the development of science worldwide and recognise its cultural significance. They learn to question and discuss issues that may affect their own lives, the directions of societies and the future of the world. Developing scientific knowledge and skills is an important part of a well rounded education for all pupils

Aims

1. Develop in all pupils a scientific appreciation of their environment and the contribution Science makes to society
2. Progressively  introduce pupils to the methods of scientific enquiry with due regard to safety
3. Promote an understanding of a wide range of scientific topics.
4. Support and encourage an interest and enthusiasm for the study of science
5. Improve  the scheme of work to cover all the requirements of the national curriculum in Science using ICT and cross curricular links where appropriate
6. Provide a continuous and progressive Science education, appropriate to each pupil including the transition stages of first school and high school feeders
7. Develop pupils critical  thinking skills in order to become independent learners
8. Provide many opportunities in lessons for team work, allowing pupils to apply themselves with interest and enthusiasm so they achieve their full potential. Give pupils the skills to be self reflective, monitoring, evaluating and assessing their own progress.

Curriculum

The principal focus of science teaching in upper key stage 2 is to enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas. They are encouraged to do this by exploring and talking through their ideas; asking their own questions about scientific phenomena; and analysing functions, relationships and interactions more systematically.   In key stage 3, pupils will continue to develop their scientific knowledge in the 3 core areas: Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as extending their investigative skills,  in order to apply their understanding to these topics.

Organisation

• In Keystage 2 science is taught in form groups so they are mixed ability classes. There are three one hour lessons provided in the timetable. One out of the three of these hour sessions is timetabled for the Lab, to give experience to the younger pupils of a scientific environment.
• In Keystage 3 science is taught in ability sets. There are two high ability sets - G and R groups, two middle sets – O and U groups and one lower ability set – P group. Pupils are given four, one hour sessions per week and all classes are taught in a Science Lab.  

Topic Overview

Resources to support your child’s learning

Any KS2 and KS3 Revision guide (CGP is one used at school)