Science

Science contributes to the development of enquiring minds which have the ability to question, test, evaluate and apply knowledge and understanding of the world around them. It develops personal qualities that prepare children for adult life such as the acquisition and development of scientific language, the application of number skills, the use of ICT, the development of personal and social skills from working independently and collaboratively. Science offers children the opportunity to appreciate and understand the world.

Science is taught from a scheme that ensures a full coverage of the National curriculum and also ensures a correct level of challenge and progression for the children. There is an emphasis on learning through investigations and through the children’s natural enquiries about the world around them.

Through practical work, the children plan scientific investigations and gradually learn the concept of a “fair test”. They also learn to record the findings of their investigations in a variety of ways.

The 2014 national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

•       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

•       are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Why Science?

The teaching and learning in science at Market Drayton Junior School aims to arouse curiosity, challenge the children’s thinking and encourage the realisation that the pursuit of scientific endeavours can bring enormous future potential, both personally and professionally.

The science curriculum offers opportunities to experience the wonders of science at first hand through assemblies which showcase the marvels of experimental science and practical “hands on” workshops.

British Science Week is celebrated throughout the school, with children collaborating in mixed aged classes to investigate, create and experiment in a celebration of science.

In our school, we endorse those natural scientific links with other curriculum areas such as technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) to develop those collective skills which underpin these subjects. We have been fortunate to have benefitted from presentations from visiting STEM Ambassadors who have highlighted the life opportunities and careers which can be forged through and by a passion for science.

Science Ambassadors are appointed from each class to support the science lead and help collaborate in delivering science events across the school.

Beyond the classroom, after school science clubs enable those children who wish to, to continue scientific pursuits in a stimulating and inspiring environment.

The children at Market Drayton Junior School engage with and gain enjoyment from all things science. So, Why science? Why not?

Special Education Needs in Science

How do we ensure all children can access science lessons?

Our science planning is designed to ensure that all children are able to access lessons and are enthusiastic learners. We focus on a range of topics including plants, animals, materials, light, electricity and forces. Our lessons are planned to be suitably differentiated so that all children have the same experiences but they are tailored to their individual needs. We focus on how best the lessons can be structured to allow the children to achieve their potential whilst building up confidence and a continued love of science. For those children with complex additional needs, a suitably differentiated plan is developed with support, in some instances, by external agencies to ensure that we are providing them with the best opportunities to develop their skills and understanding of science. All children are given the opportunity to partake in experiments and learning experiences to enhance their understanding as well as having the opportunity to be involved in whole school science assemblies, attend after school science clubs with Fizz Pop Science and fully participate in the school’s annual Science Week. Throughout our school we adapt our environment to suit the needs of our children with resources such as coloured writing books, adapted pens and pencils and a range of hands-on practical resources such as vocabulary mats, knowledge organisers and models of the skeleton etc.

As a school we strive to support fully the teaching of science and to develop the children’s learning to allow each and every child to maximise their own individual potential. 

At Market Drayton Junior School we will cover the following areas: