Subject Leader: Arandeep Harrad
It is our aim at Sydenham Primary School that all children become curious, investigative scientists. Through working collaboratively, as part of an Ogden cluster group, we have ensured our children progressively develop their scientific knowledge and skills throughout their time at primary school, and beyond. From EYFS to Year 6, the children are encouraged to be inquisitive throughout their time at the school and beyond. Our science curriculum inspires a healthy curiosity in our children about our universe and scientific learning.
We believe science encompasses the development of knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Children acquire and develop the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group, as well as the application of scientific skills. We ensure that the Working Scientifically skills are built-on and developed throughout children’s time at the school so that they can apply their knowledge of science when developing hypotheses; using equipment; conducting experiments; drawing conclusions; explaining concepts; and continuing to ask questions and be curious about the world. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built upon year-on-year, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught are reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that pupils learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questions.
Children enjoy regular opportunities to participate in science-based trips (such as, to the National Space Centre and the Birmingham Think Tank at Millenium Point), as well as workshops in school. We make good use of our school grounds (including our Forest School are) and the local environment to support and enrich scientific learning, and to foster children's curiosity about the world in which they live. Pupils are encouraged to research areas of interest and to share their findings in school and at home.
Children build and consolidate their scientific knowledge and skills, increasing their ‘science capital’; and developing positive attitudes about science and its value to their lives and globally.
Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)
As part of our continuous cycle of school improvement, the process of achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM Gilt) raised the profile and quality of science across the school and helped our science leader to develop a clear intent and aspirational vision for science. We are now working towards re-accreditation of the PSQM, and developing our outreach work.