Science

At West Cliff we believe that teaching and learning in Science should stimulate and excite children’s curiosity about the world around them. It provides first hand experiences and support for children to develop enquiring minds, learning how to question and discuss science through collaboration.

Starting from the views already held, children are given the opportunity to have their views challenged, to change their views and ultimately improve their understanding. A planned range of practical experiences set in meaningful contexts helps to develop a range of investigative skills and allows children to take risks and learn from their mistakes, developing them into independent learners.

We teach Science weekly and follow the National Curriculum Programme of Study. We also run an after-school STEM club and have an annual Science week to raise the profile of Science across school.

The teaching of Science is planned to help develop the key scientific skills of:

• Asking questions
• Hypothesising and predicting
• Planning and carrying out a range of investigations
• Using equipment correctly
• Observing and measuring
• Recording data
• Presenting results in a variety of ways, including the use of ICT
• Comparing and evaluating results, looking for patterns and drawing conclusions

We regularly use the five types of enquiry throughout out curriculum coverage. We use the symbols below in every classroom and in lessons to ensure children are able to explain the type of enquiries they are participating in.