Science at Chandlers Ridge
Curriculum Intent
Our intent is to encourage children to be naturally curious about the world around them. Our science teaching has been developed to ensure full coverage of the curriculum from Nursery to Year 6 and to foster a sense of wonder about natural phenomena. Throughout our schools children are encouraged to develop and use a range of working scientifically skills including questioning, researching and observing. We promote and celebrate inquisitive minds through hands on learning and investigation. Scientific knowledge and vocabulary is taught, developed and revisited as the children progress through school.
Curriculum Implementation
Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all pupils are capable of achieving high standards in science. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;
- Science will be taught in planned and arranged topic blocks by the class teacher. Lessons will contain knowledge content, working scientifically skills and an enquiry type where it fits in with learning.
- Previously taught knowledge is checked at the beginning of each lesson through SMART tasks. This ensures that children have the opportunity to revisit previously taught knowledge and for the teacher to address any misconceptions.
- Children are given the opportunity to carry out practical science investigations and experiments to reinforce the knowledge they have been taught, practise the working scientifically skills that have been modelled for them, use scientific equipment and to find out answers for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. Children are also encouraged to use and develop their scientific vocabulary.
- We build upon the knowledge, vocabulary and skills development of the previous years. As the children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they become more proficient in selecting, using scientific equipment, collating and interpreting results, they become increasingly confident in their growing ability to come to conclusions based on real evidence.
- Working Scientifically skills are embedded into lessons to ensure that skills are systematically developed throughout the children’s school career and new vocabulary and challenging concepts are introduced through direct teaching.
- Teachers demonstrate how to use scientific equipment, and the various Working Scientifically skills in order to embed scientific understanding. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing enrichment opportunities.
- Children are offered a wide range of extra-curricular activities, visits, trips and visitors to complement and broaden the curriculum. These are purposeful and link with the knowledge being taught in class.
- Formative Assessment is used to monitor the children’s progress regularly. This allows teachers to check if knowledge is being learnt and is embedded and also to address any misconceptions quickly. Feedback is given verbally during lessons and also in the children’s science books. Children are given the opportunity to look at and respond to this feedback in their science lessons.
Curriculum Impact
The successful approach at Chandlers Ridge Academy results in a fun, engaging, high-quality science education, that provides children with the foundations and knowledge for understanding the world around them and beyond. We encourage the children to use the outdoor learning environment in and around the school to ensure that children learn through varied and first hand experiences of the world around them. Through various workshops, trips and interactions with experts, children have the understanding that science has changed our lives and that there are many opportunities for careers in science. Science Capital is encouraged through school to ensure children feel they are scientists, capable of achieving and that they have opportunities to have a career in science. Children at Chandlers Ridge Academy enjoy science and this results in motivated learners with sound scientific understanding.
Chandlers Ridge Academy Awarded Primary Science Quality Mark
250 Primary Science Quality Marks have been awarded to infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools to celebrate their commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning. So far, since its national launch in 2010, over 4000 schools across the UK have achieved a prestigious Primary Science Quality Mark.
The Primary School Quality Mark programme ensures effective leadership of science, enables schools to work together to share good practice and is supported by professional development led by local experts. It encourages teacher autonomy and innovation while at the same time offering a clear framework for development in science subject leadership, teaching and learning. Schools that achieve PSQM demonstrate commitment and expertise in science leadership, teaching and learning.
The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire, Enterprise and Business Development in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.
Associate Professor Jane Turner, PSQM National Director said: “There was never a more important time for primary children to have a high-quality science education. The Coronavirus Pandemic has made everyone aware of the impact of science on our daily lives. Primary schools have an important role to ensure that children understand how science works and keeps us healthy and safe. Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science teaching and learning, even at this challenging time for schools. The profile and quality of science in each awarded school is very high. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure scientific understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”