Why we teach it

Science, the study of the world around us and the building blocks of our universe, is a subject that remains one of the most important for study. A high-quality science education can provide children with a new outlook on the world around them and an understanding of why things happen. Science has changed the lives of humans throughout history and continues to do so, and it is important therefore that pupils are taught the essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Almost everything we do in life requires a basic knowledge of science, and reasoning gained through the study of this subject. Through careful modelling, pupils are encouraged not only to ask the scientific questions, but also find methods to answer them. Good questioning is how a good scientist drives forward their own knowledge and understanding, and that skill is something we aim to instil into our pupils. 

How we teach it

At Woodchurch C of E Primary School, we use a purpose-built curriculum created through the use of the ASE (Association for Science Education) PLAN documents. Our curriculum has been built and tailored to be fit for our pupils, while providing them opportunities to explore scientific concepts and topics that are ambitious for all. 

We make heavy use of the scientific enquiry symbols throughout our learning, so that our pupils are aware of what enquiries we are engaging in. The 5 types of Enquiry (Classifying, Pattern Seeking, Observing Changes over Time, Research and Fair Testing) are incorporated throughout our curriculum. We likewise also make use of the working scientifically symbols throughout our sessions to ensure that children are familiar with what working scientifically skills they will be using. 

In addition to the study of science as a subject, we also look at the study of scientists. We at Woodchurch C of E, believe in the study of a diverse group of scientists. We aim to look at a different scientist for each topic we study. We look at their life, their accomplishments, and how they contributed to the study of the topic we are looking at. We aim to ensure that the scientists we study come from either a historical or diverse background, and make a great contribution to the topic we are studying.