Science
At Sandringham and West Newton, we adhere to the aims set out in the 2014 National Curriculum for Science, which seeks to ensure that all children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the distinct disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics. Our curriculum is designed to cultivate an understanding of the nature, processes, and methodologies of science through various types of scientific inquiries, thus empowering children to answer pertinent questions about the world around them. Furthermore, we recognise the importance of equipping children with the scientific skills necessary to understand the uses and implications of science, both in the present and for the future.
To fulfil our educational vision, we emphasise a skills-based approach in our lessons, wherein knowledge is vicariously imparted through active engagement in scientific exploration. This method not only supports the acquisition of key knowledge but also encourages children to foster a healthy curiosity about the universe and a sense of respect for both living and non-living entities.
Our Science curriculum embodies the principles of knowledge acquisition, mastery of concepts, skill development, and the cultivation of positive attitudes toward learning. Throughout the programmes of study, children will gain and refine critical knowledge identified within each unit and across year groups. It is our priority at Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy to build upon the working scientifically skills, allowing them to apply their scientific knowledge confidently while engaging in practical experiments, formulating arguments, and explaining complex concepts. This process will nurture continuous inquisitiveness regarding their surroundings.
Our teachers are committed to creating and sustaining a positive attitude towards science learning in their classrooms, reinforcing high expectations that every child can achieve excellence in science. The school adopts a whole-school approach to teaching and learning in science, which is manifested through planned and organised topic blocks delivered by class teachers through weekly lessons. This project-based strategy is designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
In our curriculum planning, we integrate problem-solving opportunities that empower children to explore independently. Encouraging pupils to ask their own questions and use their scientific skills to seek answers is a cornerstone of our science approach. This spirit of inquiry is celebrated within our classrooms, as we construct lessons that are not only engaging but also supported by high-quality resources that enhance conceptual understanding. Teachers employ precise questioning techniques to evaluate conceptual knowledge, while also conducting regular assessments to identify and address any learning gaps among students. Consequently, all pupils are able to progress satisfactorily in their scientific education.
The progression of learning and skill development builds upon children’s prior knowledge and abilities. As their comprehension deepens and their proficiency in using scientific equipment, compiling results, and interpreting data increases, so too does their confidence in drawing evidence-based conclusions. Our curriculum embeds working scientifically skills into each lesson, ensuring the systematic development of these competencies over the course of their schooling. The introduction of new vocabulary and challenging concepts is effectively managed through direct teaching, aligned with each topic studied.
Teachers also demonstrate the effective use of scientific equipment and various working scientifically skills to solidify understanding. We actively seek opportunities for outdoor learning and workshops led by subject matter experts to further children’s comprehension of their immediate environment and the wider world.
To complement and enrich the curriculum, we offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities that include visits, trips, and expert guest speakers. These experiences are intentionally designed to align with the subjects being taught, thereby reinforcing and expanding children’s learning. Regular events such as Science Week and project days like Learning Together Days provide an invaluable chance for pupils to temporarily step off-timetable, fostering a broader understanding and skill acquisition. Such events frequently involve families and the community, enhancing the collaborative nature of our educational ethos.
The impact of our science educational strategy at Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy results in an engaging, high-quality science education that lays the foundational knowledge necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the world. By actively engaging with the local environment, children experience varied, first-hand encounters with scientific phenomena. The incorporation of continuous and progressive learning opportunities outside the classroom is intrinsic to our science curriculum.
Through an array of workshops, field trips, and interpersonal interactions, students come to understand that science is not merely academic; it fundamentally influences our lives and is integral to the future’s sustainability. Moreover, through established community connections and collaborations with national agencies such as the STEM Association, local high schools, and the Ogden Trust, we ensure that children are exposed to numerous positive role models in the field of science, stemming from both the immediate and wider communities.
Consequently, every child within the Sandringham Federation feels empowered to identify as a scientist, equipped to accomplish future aspirations in the sciences. The heightened enthusiasm for science among our students directly correlates with their motivation and robust understanding of scientific principles. By fostering an environment where scientific inquiry is celebrated and diverse educational pathways are presented, we ensure that our young learners are well-prepared for their future roles in a science-driven world.