Science

At Calder Learning Trust we aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the natural and ever-developing man-made world and a respect for the environment that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
We aim to provide our pupils with a science curriculum which develops and builds on knowledge, skills and vocabulary in a logical, progressive sequence throughout Early Years, Primary phase and Secondary phase.

The aims of teaching science in our school are to:
• Equip children to use themselves as starting points for learning about science, and to build on their enthusiasm and natural sense of wonder about the world
• Develop through practical work the skills of observation, prediction, investigation, interpretation, communication, questioning and hypothesizing, and increased use of precise measurement skills and ICT
• Enable children to develop their skills of co-operation through working with others, and to encourage where possible, ways for children to explore science in forms which are relevant and meaningful to them
• Encourage children to collect relevant evidence, question outcome and to build resilience to persevere as it is likely they will need to repeat results or will encounter unexpected results that do not support their hypothesis
• Encourage children to treat the environment with respect and sensitivity
• To critically question the world around them
• To enable children to appreciate that we do not always know the answers when carrying out scientific enquiry as the world around us is continually changing and developing
• Equip children with the language to be able to discuss their learning and confidently explain their scientific understanding.

To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in science, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Science is taught in discrete lessons for at least 1 hour per week, or through longer Science focus afternoons. We ensure that teachers have the same expectations during Science lessons that they would have when teaching English or Mathematics and that any mathematical task (such as measuring or drawing graphs) is pitched at an age-appropriate level to ensure sufficient challenge.

We make use of the specialist Science teachers and resources from Calder High School to enhance learning and provide progression into Key Stage 3. Pupils are able to use the science laboratories for experimental work, for example using additional scientific equipment in Years 5 and 6.
We also provide a variety of opportunities for science learning outside the classroom for example in our Forest School setting and allotment.

We enhance Science learning at home through whole school events such as our Science poster competition and homework projects. These encourage the children to ask questions about the world and demonstrate how they can think scientifically and carry out investigations using simple everyday objects.