Science
Our Vision
Our vision for science, created by teaching staff and pupils, is to give children a curriculum which enables them to explore and discover the world around them, confidently, so that they have a deeper understanding of the world we live in. The exciting, practical and hands-on experiences which we give to them here in school will encourage curiosity and questioning.
Our aim is that these stimulating and challenging experiences help children secure and extend their scientific knowledge and vocabulary.
We believe that these opportunities will ensure that our children are confident, life-long learners who will explore the World around them.
Scientific enquiry
At Greatwood each science lesson across KS1 and KS2 includes at least one of these 5 types of enquiry.
Understanding the world activities in the Early Years include elements of these where appropriate. Children are supported to use their investigative skills in a variety of ways in order to raise their own questions, collect data and information and draw conclusions. This is developed through practical activities and collaborative working and discussion.
Primary Science Quality Mark Gold Award
We are thrilled to announce that we achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark Gold Award; a year-long CPD programme that helps schools to develop effective, confident science leadership for whole school impact on science teaching and learning.
PSQM:
- Enables science subject leaders to develop and articulate a clear intent and aspirational vision for science. The process of achieving a PSQM raises the profile and quality of science across the whole school.
- Supports subject leaders to effectively implement a curriculum for science that is informed by research evidence and best practice data. Working with an expert hub leader subject leaders evaluate current provision for science and put in place a development cycle that leads to sustained progress in science across the school.
- Ensures strong and positive impact: Children make good progress, building and consolidating their knowledge and skills, developing positive attitudes about science and its value to their lives and globally. Teachers and children enjoy their science lessons.
Science Learning Partnership
NSAT coordinates and manages the North and West Yorkshire Science Learning Partnership (SLP), which provides quality, subject specific continuous professional development (CPD) for primary and secondary schools in the area. It is part of a network of SLPs and other support for schools that is managed by STEM Learning.
Two of our senior leaders, Miss Carter and Mr Finch, are facilitators for the SLP. They support schools throughout EYFS, primary, secondary and Further Education in Science.