Science
Science is fun! It can be defined as “the concerted human effort to understand, or to understand better, the history of the natural world and how the natural world works, with observable physical evidence as the basis of that understanding.
It is done through observation of natural phenomena, and/or through experimentation that tries to simulate natural processes under controlled conditions”.
Science in school relies on pupils having access to first hand experiences and other sources of information. Scientific investigations and problem solving activities will be used to develop pupils’ understanding of fundamental concepts. The main aspects of Science to be studied will be determined by the ISEB syllabus.
Aims
Our aims in teaching Science are that all children will:
- develop their natural sense of awe and wonder about the world around them
- become independent thinkers, asking questions and thinking about how they can find out the answers
- build up a practical approach to problem solving which has applicability in everyday life
- be competent at handling scientific equipment and choosing appropriate equipment for each investigation
- develop a set of attitudes which will promote scientific ways of thinking, including open-mindedness, perseverance, objectivity and the recognition of the importance of teamwork
- come to understand the nature of “scientific method” involving: observation, the making and testing of hypotheses, the design of fair and controlled experiments, the drawing of meaningful conclusions through critical reasoning and the evaluation of evidence
- become effective communicators of scientific ideas, facts and data
- begin to build up a body of scientific knowledge and understanding which will serve as a foundation for future enquiry.
Strategies for teaching
In the Early Years (EYFS) and Pre-Prep Science is integrated into topics. The pupils are taught in mixed ability classes by their class teachers. In Prep, Science is taught by a specialist teacher in a fully equipped laboratory. Children are taught in mixed ability classes and receive two hours of Science teaching each week.