At Aldryngton Primary School, we believe that children should acquire both the knowledge and skills to be a scientist and to work scientifically across all the areas of the science curriculum. Our curriculum has been designed to cover both statutory and non-statutory aspects of the National Curriculum and aims to develop a curiosity and interest in science. We want children to critically engage in science and aim to equip them with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.
Science lessons at Aldryngton are planned by a class teacher in each of the phases of the school. When planning, the phase teacher will ensure children experience a range of science topics and investigations. Children are encouraged to use scientific vocabulary when discussing investigations and when recording any investigations. Classrooms will typically have a display of vocabulary relevant to the topic being taught. Children are encouraged to share ideas verbally with their partner and with the whole class. They will get the opportunity to practice reading when they read presentations, topic books, use search engines and I-pads to research particular topics.
At least once a term, children are given real life, scientific problems to solve, for example; in Middle School child investigate the most suitable floor for a person with a dog when studying rocks; in Lower School children design a waterproof bike seat when learning about everyday materials and their uses and in Upper School children investigate the most suitable material for an insulated cup for a teacher. When carrying out all investigations, children are taught how to conduct fair tests and make predictions. Further up the school, they are encouraged to investigate and record their results in their own way. With all scientific work, children are reminded of the value of teamwork, especially when planning and carrying out fair test investigations. They will make predictions together and decide how to carry out the investigation, either with a partner or in a small group. Children will collaborate by sharing resources recording observations and discussing their conclusions.
A summary of the science topics taught across the phases for Year A and Year B is given below.
Throughout the school, children get the opportunity to go out into the local environment during their science lessons, for example, Maiden Erlegh lake, the University lake and the Harris Gardens, to study living things and their habitats. They also get the opportunity to visit Windsor Castle to look at materials castles are made of. They visit to RHS Wisley, where the attend a workshop on plants and there are visits from a fossil workshop and the Science Dome. There is also the opportunity to join the Bright Sparks Science club that runs at various times of the year.