Science

At Drapers’ Brookside, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life.

We aim to develop our children as scientists who look at the world with a critical eye, ask questions and investigate in a variety of ways to find solutions. We aim to foster curiosity amongst the pupils, and to develop a respect and a sense of responsibility for the living world around them.

“Every brilliant experiment, like every great work of Art, starts with an act of imagination.”

JONAH LEHRER

At Drapers’ Brookside, we recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. As one of the core subjects taught in Primary Schools, we give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.

The Scientific area of learning is concerned with increasing pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our world, and with developing skills associated with Science as a process of enquiry. It will develop the natural curiosity of the child, encourage respect for living organisms and the physical environment and provide opportunities for critical evaluation of evidence.

At Drapers’ Brookside, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our Science teaching offers opportunities for children to:

  • 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;
  • Be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.
  • Develop the essential scientific enquiry skills to deepen their scientific knowledge.
  • Use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.
  • Develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.
  • Develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Our Science Curriculum Implementation

At Drapers’ Brookside, children have weekly lessons in Science throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, using the Empiribox Science scheme of work alongside other complementing resources. In Early years, science is taught through the children learning about the world around them in their learning through play. As children move into Key Stage 1, Science topics are taught on a 2 year rolling programme and this moves to a 4 year rolling programme in Key Stage 2. Additional opportunities are provided in Science via themed days and visitors. Teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science.

Key Skills

Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of science involves the following;

  • Problem solving opportunities
  • Encourage children to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers.
  • Challenge ideas/concepts
  • Building upon prior knowledge
  • Working Scientifically
  • Using scientific equipment
  • Building on Science vocabulary
  • Understanding new scientific vocabulary
  • Making links between different areas of Science and the wider world