Science

Our view of Science

Science plays an integral role in the world around us; it has changed our lives and is vital to the world's future prosperity. Science is a systematic investigation of the physical, chemical and biological world in which we live and beyond. At Repton Manor, we aim to stimulate and excite pupils' curiosity about events in the world and enable them to understand how scientific ideas contribute to technological change. Pupils will learn to question and discuss Science based issues that may affect their own lives.

Teaching Science

The staff at Repton Manor Primary School use the Kent Science schemes of work and the National Curriculum as a starting point to plan engaging science lessons. However, teachers continually adapt the lessons to suit the needs, abilities and interests of our pupils. Repton Manor are lucky enough to have a specialist Science teacher, who is able to provide fantastic subject knowledge and suggest exciting experiments to explore.

Pupils engage in lessons which develop their knowledge and understanding of scientific principles, as well as their investigation skills. Opportunities for practical, hands on learning forms an important part of our Science lessons as this enables children to put their learning into practice. Children are strongly encouraged to talk within lessons and embrace topical questions. Children also have the opportunity to explore awe and wonder Science experiments in a fortnightly Science assembly. Furthermore, Key Stage Two children have opportunities for Science after school clubs every other term.

In most classes, Science lessons are integrated within the overarching Topic. The teachers ensure that links are made with real-life and pupils can see a purpose to the learning. There is not a set period for these lessons to take place and therefore Science is completed at differing times throughout the two year Topic cycle. In Year 5 and 6, the children have discrete Science lessons, once a week, to ensure the lessons are deep and meaningful but also help prepare for structures in secondary school.

All pupils' record their Science learning in a variety of ways; including taking pictures, through drawings on their mind maps, written methods and through the use of ICT.

Assessment in Science

Assessment of Science takes place in many different forms. Pupils' learning is assessed daily in lessons through teacher observations, conversations with pupils and through looking at the completed work. Pupils also assess their own learning against the learning intention (star). Peer and group assessment is another method used with our lessons. Teachers use this assessment to inform the planning of following lessons and to ensure that all pupils are supported and challenged in their learning. At the end of each topic, teachers assess the pupils' knowledge and understanding of the area of Science they have studied and their skills in scientific enquiry against the National curriculum objectives.

If you would like to find out more about Science at Repton Manor, please contact the Science subject leader, Mrs Smissen.

Cycle A Science coverage

Cycle B Science coverage

Science in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In E.Y.F.S, the planning comes from the children's interests in a discovery approach. Similarly to the children in Key Stage One and Two, the learning is 'hands on' and practical with lots of discussion and exploring. Activities are met through both adult led opportunities and child initiated. Children will complete activities such as:

• Cooking and how the ingredients change,
• Planting and growing
• Space and aliens
• Seasonal change
• Life cycles of different animals.

The outcomes of the exploratory play will support assessment for the E.Y.F.S. 'Understanding the World' Early Learning Goal and for future planning.