How we teach science at Newbold and Tredington School

A high quality science education for children provides them with a solid foundation for understanding the world around them.

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that:

• All pupils develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics
• All pupils develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through differing lines of scientific enquiry that help children better understand the world around them

Scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding

Science is taught through a sequence of knowledge and concepts.  Children should be able to describe associated process and key characteristics in common language but also some specialist vocabulary accurately both verbally and in their written learning.

Children will also be taught to use their mathematical knowledge to aid their scientific understanding, particularly when collecting, presenting and analysing data.

The nature, processes and methods of science

Within each year group children are taught the skills of 'working scientifically'.  These skill focus on the key features of scientific enquiry, enabling children to learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.  Types of scientific enquiry include: observing over time; pattern seeking; identifying, classifying and grouping; comparative and fair testing; and researching using secondary sources.

Spoken language

Children will learn to ensure that their thinking is clear through use of discussion to remedy misconceptions.  Pupils will develop their cognitive, social and linguistic capabilities through new language and terminology enabling them to articulate their thoughts and scientific concepts with precision.