Science

Science is a body of knowledge essential to our understanding of the modern world. It incorporates the skills of questioning, investigation, research, evaluation and interpretation. It involves the study of the living world, physical processes and materials and their properties. Scientific awareness encourages a responsible participation in our developing world and society.

Science is an exciting subject that should engage children's awareness, excitement and curiosity about the world around them. The Science department offers a broad, balanced course placed in a global and historical context, which will:

Promote an enquiring mind and develop methods of scientific enquiry in observation, investigation and evaluation through a wide variety of activities.

Encourage children to have an awareness of both the physical and biological aspects of life around them.

Develop a cross-section of scientific skills, to begin to prepare children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.

Encourage enjoyment, and to develop self-confidence in Science.

Encourage children to work cooperatively.

Enable children to see Science as equally important for girls and boys.

Encourage systematic recording of scientific data in a variety of ways and subsequent interpretation.

Allow a greater appreciation of everyday applications and importance of Science.

It is hoped that children will gain a firm foundation and have an enjoyable experience of the subject, promoting self-esteem and confidence in Science.

Co-curricular
The Reception children visit a farm park in Herefordshire to learn about farm animals.
Year 2 visit Bristol Zoo to learn about wild animals from other countries.

Year 3 visit a local strawberry farm to learn about growing plants for food.

Year 3 travel to Techniquest to participate in a workshop and explore the exhibits on the two different floors.

Year 4 travel to @Bristol to take part in a workshop, visit the two exhibition floors and watch a presentation on the solar system in the planetarium. There is an after-school Science club where pupils are given the opportunity to carry out some fun experiments in small groups.

Year 6 travel to Bristol zoo. They attend a workshop on adaptation and habitats and complete a quiz booklet based on the adaptations the animals have for their specific habitat. The Rainforest Roadshow visits the school allowing the children to gain an insight into life in the rainforest for both animals and people.

The Science department works closely with other departments, ensuring that each subject is not seen as a separate entity but as part of a greater whole. Links include:• Humanities: looking at the health of sailors on board sailing ships.
DT: the use of simple circuits and switches.
Maths: a range of data handling.
ICT: various methods to research and display scientific information.

Science experiment
Solar system projects
String telephones

Senior School Links
Junior School children are given the opportunity to take part in a range of activities based in the Senior School laboratories. In the past, these have included dissection of frogs and rats, the opportunity to make and observe various compounds in Chemistry, the use of microscopes in Biology and the effects of static electricity in Physics.

Pre-Prep and Year 3 to Year 6
In Pre-Prep, Science is very much a hands-on experience and Science learning begins with structured play. The children observe, investigate and experiment with the world around them. They record their work in many ways, starting with simple pictures. These develop to become labelled diagrams. By the end of Year 2, they may also use writing and simple tables. They work on their own or with others to develop their learning.

In Years 3 to 6, pupils learn about a wide range of topics that encompass Biology (living things), Physics (phenomena) and Chemistry (materials). The pupils begin to make links between ideas and to explain things using a range of models and theories. They apply their knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas to familiar, everyday things and their own personal health. They think about the impact of scientific developments, both positive and negative, on the environment. Children carry out increasingly complex investigations, working on their own and with others, and develop the skills to record, display and communicate their results and conclusions.

Useful Links

BBC Primary Science http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/html