Science
The Priory follows the Kent scheme of work for Science.
Our Science vision:
To develop young scientists who are curious questioning and enthusiastic. This fuels their explorations and investigations about the universe we live in.
Science is valued by staff, pupils and governors as a core curriculum subject. It is seen as an integral part of modern culture and essential for the future development of society. Science has the potential to stimulate and excite pupils’ curiosity as well as to stretch their imagination and creativity. Science can also satisfy curiosity with knowledge and the skills to collect evidence through first-hand observation and investigation.
At The Priory, our aim is to give all children a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think and work scientifically. Our curriculum gives children an understanding of scientific processes and provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Children are taught to think about the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Within our curriculum, all pupils are taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and concepts, pupils are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They are encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes.
Science at The Priory School is based on the national curriculum for science and aims to ensure that all pupils:
- develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
- develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them
- are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future
Principles for the teaching and learning of science
- Range of enquiry: Children develop a full range of enquiry skills. Teachers are confident teaching enquiry and understand progression.
- Real life: Science provision relates to real life contexts and experiences, thus ensuring that Science is meaningful and relevant.
- Practical and hands-on: children get practical hands on experiences using a wide range of resources.
- Exciting: Teachers are creative and imaginative in their approach to teaching science. Lessons are enriching and engaging, built on prior knowledge and inspire and encourage investigation of the world.
- Language: Children have a secure understanding of key vocabulary and use it with precision and confidence.
- Curriculum links: links are made across the curriculum to enhance and promote scientific understanding.
- Subject knowledge: Teachers show an interest in science. Concepts and knowledge are firmly secured for both children and teachers. Common pupil misconceptions are known.
- Questions: Children are encouraged to be curious and pose question, discuss and reflect on them. They have the opportunity to answer their own questions through practical enquiry and sharing their ideas.
- Famous Scientists: Children are aware of famous scientists, their fields of work and their impact on society.
- Future: Children see themselves as scientists; they are aware of the role of science in daily life and are aware that science offers opportunities for future jobs.
What is working scientifically?
- Questioning
- Scientific enquiry – observing changes, finding patterns, grouping and classifying, fair testing and researching using secondary sources
- Drawing conclusions based on data and observations
- Using evidence to justify ideas
- Using scientific knowledge to explain findings
Websites to support Science Learning at Home:
