Science

What Science looks like at Shaw Ridge School

What a science lesson can look like in our school:

• A variety of activities to engage children about the world around them
• Investigations/practical exploration with the children being able to predict, plan, research, record, carry out and conclude their learning
• Opportunities to work individually and collaboratively

This is how it works:

• Each term a different aspect of science is taught with the focus on either Biology, Chemistry or Physics
• It may be taught as discrete lessons or as a block unit of work which may link with the term’s topic

This is our philosophy:

• Learning through exploration and investigation
• Using the children’s understanding as a starting point
• Making links to the world around us
• Exciting children about science – creating a love of science and a will to find out more, to ask questions

This is what we do:

• Knowledge and understanding taught in blocks of work with a new topic each term
• Where possible links made with other subjects to enrich learning
• Opportunities each term for children to develop their investigative skills
• Incorporate the use of technology where appropriate

This is what you might typically see:

• Engaged learners
• Opened and closed questions – directed to whole class and individuals
• Children posing their own questions and hypothesis for investigation
• Collaborative work
• Practical investigations
• Children discussing, reflecting and sharing their learning

This is how we know how well our pupils are doing:

• Different forms of feedback
• Formative assessment through questioning during lessons and investigations
• Observations of children during investigations and exploration
• Photographic/video evidence
• Assessment tracked at the end of each block of work

This is the impact of teaching:

• Confident children who can talk about their science lessons and discoveries they’ve made
• Children are able to use and explain the meaning of scientific vocabulary
• Children who are prepared to take risks
• Children who enjoy Science lessons and want to know more

Science Progression of Skills & Knowledge