Science
Intent
At Southwark Park, we strive to develop children’s natural curiosity about the world and encourage them to develop their understanding through inquisitive questioning. We equip children with an extensive range of scientific skills such as: asking questions and making predictions; setting up tests; observing and measuring; recording data; interpreting and communicating results and critically evaluating results. Through practical experiments children are able to nurture their passion for science as part of a team, whilst also developing their scientific skills. We provide opportunities for all children to enhance their knowledge through scaffolded experiences and adapted experiences. We aim to develop a child’s curiosity, encourage respect for all living things and a greater understanding of how and why processes occur.
Implementation
While at Southwark Park, children are exposed to a variety of scientific experiences, the national curriculum is followed in a logical order, and where possible, topics are embedded into the overarching termly themes. Children are taught the foundations of physics, biology and chemistry and are also taught to think and work scientifically. Class activities are designed to encourage questioning, develop understanding and use of scientific vocabulary and promote practical science and investigative skills within a framework of what is expected in each year group.
Students learn how to conduct different types of scientific enquiry and understand how to apply these effectively to different scientific questions. Pupils use and apply the skills that they have learnt, refine methods of research and make suitable conclusions from the results they have recorded. Regular formative assessment is used to lead learning and summative assessment takes place termly to reflect on teaching and learning as well as track students’ success. An annual Southwark Park ‘Science Week’ and whole school activities throughout the year foster a love and understanding of science and raise its profile throughout the school.
Impact
At Southwark Park, children develop a love of science that promotes children’s ability to continually explore the world around them. Through eager observation and questioning, children develop a curiosity about the world and its processes. A robust, fun, differentiated curriculum sparks students’ imagination in lessons and during whole school initiatives. Learning about the plethora of career options linked to science, for girls and boys, allows children to dream big and reach their potential. Using scientific language, they discuss topics and explain how to use the scientific method to investigate. Drawing conclusions from data (graphs and tables which students sometimes construct), allows for opportunities to notice patterns and design further investigations based on results. Teamwork is fostered during group work challenges and communication skills also developed during these rich tasks. Students’ engagement and dedication to science ensures they will be lifelong learners, who have an understanding of the world around them and allow them to make positive contributions to the planet.
