Science
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ASPIRE - LEARN - FLOURISH
The Aspire Learning Federation is made up of two schools - Elm Park Primary School and R J Mitchell Primary School in the London Borough of Havering.
At R J Mitchell Primary School, we are committed to nurturing our children's innate curiosity about the world around them. As a maintained primary school, we strive to cultivate a love of science that empowers our diverse community of learners to become inquisitive, questioning, and scientifically-minded individuals.
Our science curriculum is designed to ignite our children's passion for understanding the fundamental principles of biology, physics, and chemistry. Through hands-on investigations, engaging demonstrations, and thought-provoking discussions, we encourage our children to think critically, hypothesise, and deepen their knowledge of the natural world.
Reflecting our school's vision and values, we believe that developing scientific skills and knowledge is essential for our children to become responsible, environmentally-conscious citizens who respect the delicate balance of our planet. By exploring the origins of the universe, the intricate workings of the human body, and the complex ecosystems that sustain life, our children gain a deeper appreciation for the wonder and complexity of the world they inhabit.
At the heart of our science curriculum is a commitment to helping our children become confident, articulate communicators who can use high-level scientific vocabulary to express their understanding and share their findings. Whether they are investigating the properties of materials, designing and testing their own experiments, or presenting their research to their peers, our children are empowered to think and act like scientists in the making.
By nurturing our children's natural curiosity, fostering their problem-solving abilities, and celebrating their scientific achievements, we aim to inspire them to continue exploring the marvels of the natural world long after they leave the doors of R J Mitchell Primary School.
Our science curriculum is built upon the foundations of the National Curriculum, but we have taken an ambitious and forward-thinking approach to its implementation. We use the CUSP curriculum and developed a sequence and content that places knowledge, vocabulary, and scientific thinking at the heart of our principles, structure, and practice.
We believe that science should be an engaging, hands-on experience for our children. To this end, we have dedicated a whole afternoon each week to the teaching of science, allowing our pupils to dive deep into scientific concepts and explore the world around them through group discussions, partner work, outdoor learning, videos, and exciting experiments.
Our science curriculum follows the six-part model of the CUSP; which ensures that our lessons are structured to Connect, build Vocabulary, Explain key concepts, provide Examples, allow for Attempts, and facilitate the Application of learning. This approach not only enhances our pupils' understanding but also challenges them to push the boundaries of their knowledge in every lesson.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, our children's natural curiosity about the world is nurtured through learning within the Natural World and People, Culture, and Communities areas of the curriculum. As they progress through the school, our pupils become 'a little more expert' in science, accumulating, connecting, and making sense of the rich substantive and disciplinary knowledge they acquire.
To further foster our children's love of science, we celebrate Science Week throughout the school. During this special event, our pupils are given the opportunity to explore areas of science that go beyond the curriculum, as well as learn about the diverse career paths available in the field of science. This enriching experience allows our children to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
To further extend our pupils' learning, we provide a wealth of opportunities beyond the classroom. Regular trips to local museums, science centres, and natural environments allow our children to witness science in action and make real-world connections.
We utilise pre- and post-assessments to plan our science lessons effectively and monitor the progress of our children over time. This data-driven approach allows us to identify areas for development and tailor our teaching to the unique needs of each child, ensuring that every pupil is supported in reaching their full potential.
Our subject leader works closely with teachers throughout the school to support and develop their subject knowledge in science. By monitoring lesson plans, observing lessons, and engaging in discussions with pupils, our subject leaders ensure that our science curriculum is delivered with excellence, allowing our children to make meaningful progress.
By the time our pupils transition to secondary school, they are able to confidently talk about their learning journey in science. They have planned and carried out a wide range of live experiments and investigations, developing essential skills in areas such as observation, measurement, and data analysis. These practical experiences not only deepen their understanding of scientific concepts but also foster their problem-solving abilities and resilience.