Science at Old Hall

Teaching Science

At Old Hall, we value Science. We are all scientists! A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.

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EYFS

Science is an integral part of objective led topic learning and is embedded throughout the EYFS curriculum. At this stage, the Understanding the World area of learning is inter woven into the observation, assessment and planning cycle as a key component of the EYFS curriculum. Cross-curricular links are made to other subjects so that pupils can develop and apply their scientific skills confidently in a wide range of contexts.

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KS1 and KS2

The teaching of science in Ks1 and Ks2 is taught in blocks. Cross-curricular links are made where possible but not forced. Sometimes observations are made that are carried on over days or even weeks. There are explicit links between the English and Science curriculum carefully planned in all year groups.

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How is it taught?

The teachers at Old Hall use the most appropriate teaching strategy to suit the purpose of the particular learning situation. Our school encourages learning through investigation with an emphasis on first-hand experience. Science lessons may include the following:

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Discussion: What they already know from experience, what they have learnt so far, what they will be finding out next. Where necessary, mind mapping and question boards are appropriate methods for recording these discussions.

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Teaching: directly to the whole class or through group or individual work.

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Practical tasks or investigative work: working within groups or individually, practicing scientific skills, finding out answers, being encouraged to think scientifically.

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Recording: writing about what they have found out, drawing charts and tables and diagrams, using the computer and other media to record what they have done or found out about.

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Communicating: sharing ideas, predictions, knowledge and what they have found out with each other, the teacher, other classes and adults as appropriate.

Cumulative quizzing: An opportunity to reflect upon and demonstrate what has been learned and what knowledge, skills and understanding are secure.