Science at Red Hall
“The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers, they’re one who asks the right questions.” ~ Claude Levi-Strauss
What is the intent of our Science curriculum?
Red Hall Primary school aims to foster children who are confident, capable and independent Scientists. To inspire children to develop a curiosity and fascination about the world around them. We will ensure the children ask questions and explain their own ideas and findings. Children are encouraged to follow their own fascinations, wonders and questions. As teachers, we ensure they are excited about science and all of the weird and wonderful discoveries that come with this inspiring and fascinating subject. Children at Red Hall will become passionate practitioners, deepening their curiosity while learning and remembering more about science.
How do we implement our Science curriculum?
Science is taught each term with multiple units in each half term. Starting in Early Years, staff make sure that the children experience a wide range of scientific activities exploring topics such as weather, growing, animals and plants through hands on experiences. In KS1 and KS2, every block of lessons starts with a Concept Map which has key words about a science strand. The children make links between different words which helps to embed what they know as well as addressing any misconceptions along the way. Teachers will also use reflection activities at the start of every lesson to recap learning from earlier in the year or from previous year groups. This is to make sure your child does not forget what they have already learnt and to help make links between their current topic and other topics. Experiments and real-life experiences underpin the entire science curriculum at Red Hall giving the children experiences that enhance their learning.
What is the impact of our Science curriculum?
The science curriculum is well constructed and builds on each topic through the children’s time at school to embed their learning. Experiments and real-life scientific opportunities mean that the children will remember more and their knowledge will build which will help them throughout their education. Leaders at all levels check how well pupils are doing through lesson visits, work scrutinies and talking to both staff and pupils to ensure pupils are benefiting from the way geography is taught in school. Disadvantaged and SEND pupils acquire the knowledge they need in order to move onto the next stage.
What experiences will the children receive in Science?
Children are given hands-on, real-life learning that uses the teacher’s experiences as well as videos, photos, experiments and if possible, trips with an exciting hook or a memorable experience. Teachers love to hear children’s stories about their own science exploring, such as a family walk where they collected leaves, a new puppy, a library book about dinosaurs and fossils or an experiment they tried at home!
By the end of their time at Red Hall, what will all our children have taken from Science?
By the end of Red Hall, we would like our children to have made good progress from their starting point with a strong science vocabulary. For the children to have had the chance to try a wide range of scientific activities and experiences that they can take with them when they move into secondary school. We want the children to be excited by science and have a desire to continue to develop their learning both in school and on their own. Teachers want the children to have a keen interest in the world around them from the plants and animals to planets and dinosaurs. Most of all, we want the children of Red Hall to be proud of their work and achievements and outstanding Scientists!
Key Information for Parents & Carers:
Key Websites:
Below are a range of websites that we use in school or that you can access at home which will help extend your child’s learning and build on their natural curiosity. All websites should be used with parent supervision.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6svr82
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z2pfb9q
https://wowscience.co.uk/
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/teacher-category/science/
https://www.sheppardsoftware.com/science.htm
https://explorify.uk/
Click download to view our Science vision for Red Hall.
