Science

Our intention is to provide our children with a strong understanding of the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of scientific processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. Our ambition is to nurture future scientists and develop and awareness of the impact of science in all aspects of life.

Science at Lift Percy Shurmer

At Lift Percy Shurmer we aim to provide an ambitious science curriculum which engages, inspires and meets the needs of all students, preparing them for the world beyond Percy Shurmer.

Through our science teaching we offer a range of opportunities to explore and understand the world around us, gaining a secure knowledge of scientific concepts and skills. 

Our science curriculum is designed to engage all pupils and prepare them for future learning, and to encourage natural curiosity and questioning attitudes. In science we develop independence, confidence and resilience through various tasks and investigations and by continually reviewing learning to embed knowledge and understanding. We progressively develop an understanding of subject specific vocabulary, enabling pupils to articulate scientific concepts. Pupils learn to assess potential risks as they work and carry out scientific investigations. Science teaching in our academy is delivered through a structured, programme of science teaching and is enhanced further by additional specialised lessons, focused on the science methodology. It is deepened further by enrichment activities working with outside agencies, such as Roots to Fruit, as well as through science based visits and visitors to our school.

We teach science by:

• Teaching scientific ways of thinking.

• Actively involving students in their own learning.

• Helping students to develop a conceptual framework as well as to develop problem solving skills.

• Promoting student discussion and group activities.

• Helping students experience science in adaptive, interesting and enjoyable ways.

The impact of this is:

• It allows an inclusive approach, where all children work at their own level.

• That teachers work from carefully structured Schemes of Learning which inform them of prior and future learning.

• That children are able to embed their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills, as they work through each unit.

• That during the teaching there are built-in opportunities for continual knowledge and vocabulary assessment, ensuring misconceptions are addressed immediately.

• That experiential learning is also built into each unit, enabling staff to assess scientific skills.