Mrs Devitt-Hicking is the subject leader for Science. This is what she says about her subject.

I am proud to be the science subject leader at All Saints' CE Primary School.  The three strands of learning within the science curriculum of Biology, Chemistry and Physics has something to offer all enquiring young minds.  From investigating the optimum conditions for plant growth, to our place in space, the primary science curriculum sows the seeds for the next generation of agriculturalists to astronauts - electricians to evolutionists.  The science curriculum is taught in a practical and engaging manner, allowing time for self-discovery of the fundamental scientific concepts.  It is a joy to hear the children's enthusiasm for this subject and the passion with which it is taught within school. 

This is what the children say about Science.

Freddie says that his favourite subject is Science because he learns about interesting information like herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. 

Super fun.

Cool things

Interesting!

Exciting things!

Nutrients for plants.

Cool experiments.

Exciting

By Ruby Bulmer

SCIENCE

At All Saints we recognise that Science is concerned with children finding out about the world in which they live.  It aims to stimulate a child’s curiosity in finding out why things happen in the way they do. It teaches methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought. Attitudes such as curiosity, perseverance and co-operation are also encouraged.  Children learn to ask scientific questions and begin to appreciate the way in which science will affect the future on a personal, national, and global level.

What are our aims?

Children will be able to:

- ask and answer scientific questions;

- plan and carry out scientific investigations, using equipment (including computers) correctly and know the different skills involved in working scientifically;

- know and understand the life processes of living things;

- know and understand the physical processes of materials, electricity, light, sound, and natural forces;

- know about the nature of the solar system, including the earth;

- evaluate evidence, and present their conclusions clearly and accurately.

How is Science taught?

We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in science lessons. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding. Sometimes we do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times we engage the children in an enquiry-based research activity. We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer, scientific questions. They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. They use ICT in science lessons because it enhances their learning. They take part in role-play and discussions, and they present reports to the rest of the class. They engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in real scientific activities, experiments and analysing the results. As much as possible, children will be given opportunity to develop their scientific skills through practical investigations and analysis of the results. Children will learn and practise fair test experiments, classification, identification, observation (observation over time), pattern seeking and will also have chance to free exploration of their ideas and time to talk about them.

How is Science assessed?

At the beginning of each science topic, teachers continue to assess the pupils’ prior knowledge in a variety of ways, ranging from whole class discussions, to mind maps to KWL grids.

At the end of each topic, pupils are assessed again in a variety of ways (for example whole class discussions, completing KWL grids, making mini books or posters and leaflets about what they have learnt). The class teacher then reports assessment results back to the Science subject leader, Assessment coordinator and the next teacher (at the end of the school year).

Resources

We have sufficient resources for all science teaching units in the school. We keep these in a central store, where there is a box of equipment for each unit of work.  Class teachers also have resources relating to their science units. There is a collection of science equipment which the children use to gather weather data. The library contains a good supply of science topic books and there is computer software to support children’s individual research.

How can you support your child at home?

Useful links:

KS2 Bitesize science

BBC science clips

Children’s university of Science

Education city

Enchanted Learning