Science
At Wordsworth Primary and Nursery School, we encourage children to be inquisitive and curious about the world around them. We foster a drive to know more and to wonder about the world around them. Our ambitious curriculum identifies the most important concepts and sequences them into manageable, meaningful chunks, so learning is embedded without working memory being overloaded.
We encourage children to become increasingly curious and teach the skills they need to do this starting in the Nursery. Children begin their work as scientists by exploring the awe and wonder of the natural world around us. Their curiosity through play allows them to perform simple tests and ask questions which is later more formalised as they start their time in school. Connecting knowledge lies at the heart of becoming confident scientists. This means that as pupils travel through the school curriculum, they recognise links and build on their knowledge of scientific concepts and procedures.
By equipping all our pupils with scientific skills and language, we enable them to explore and make sense of a multitude of fascinating scientific concepts. These range from first-hand experiences of natural habitats in our own Nature Zone, to exploring the complexities of our vast and mysterious universe. Our future scientists are raising questions, exploring the answers with child-led investigations, and striving to seek the truth. Our aim is that all pupils at Wordsworth are successful in learning science and, as a result, their perception of being ‘good’ at it will be central for developing their interest in the subject.
At Wordsworth we provide many opportunities to embed SMSC into our science curriculum:
- Spiritual education in science involves searching for the meaning and purpose in natural and physical phenomena. It is the wonder about what is special about life, and the awe at the scale of living things from the smallest micro – organism to the largest tree.
- Moral education in science encourages children to become increasingly curious. They will develop an open mind and become a non-judgemental enquirer. They will consider the environment and the important moral consideration that is needed to protect the future of generations to come.
- Social education involves group practical work which provides opportunities for children to develop team working skills and to take responsibility.
- Cultural education in science involves thinking of scientific discoveries of other cultures and giving credit to them.
In the classrooms you will see
- Explicit teaching of skills, knowledge and vocabulary.
- Use of a variety of equipment during experiments.
- Opportunities for child-led investigations.
- A high level of scientific dialogue between teachers and pupils.
- Scaffolds to support children’s understanding.
- A progression in conceptual understanding as children move through school.