Science

SUBJECT NAME: SCIENCE

"Pupils in Year 8 demonstrate high levels of understanding in Science. They tackle complex GCSE-level material successfully" ISI 2022

Aims of the subject: 

Science education at Kingshott is more than scientific knowledge. Our aim is to inspire our children to develop a natural curiosity of the world around them.  An understanding of science is fundamental to their knowledge and understanding of natural phenomena.     

Years Seven and Eight build on the solid foundation established earlier in the school right from Pre-Prep upwards.  The curriculum is an accelerated version of the Key Stage Three National Curriculum, ensuring the needs of the ISEB syllabus is met.  Our curriculum is designed to fully equip our children for the rigour of GCSE science at the highest level and beyond.  Our children leave with a great depth of scientific knowledge and understanding, the skills to confidently apply scientific method, critical thinking, advanced practical skills and communicate these ideas in a range of formats. 

Assessment methods:

A range of assessment strategies are utilised in monitoring and tracking the progress of our children. Verbal feedback and observation of children's interaction for our younger children through to more formal assessments that may involve multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and questions involving application of knowledge to unfamiliar situations for the older children,

Teaching techniques:

At Kingshott we teach science incorporating three dimensions; knowledge, process and communication. 

The first dimension is scientific knowledge.  This is the essential foundation that the other dimensions are built upon.

The second is process or scientific method; in simple terms the doing of science.  Developing the skills to ask questions and then answer these asking using scientific investigation. This is embedded throughout our curriculum, using the six strands of observation, communication, classification, measurement, inference and prediction.  Central to this is the experimental and practical nature of science education, as well as exploring past scientific discoveries and future developments.

The final dimension is scientific attitude.  Our curriculum is designed to foster a curious and imaginative mind.  Science is all about asking questions and finding the answers and a respect for the methods and values of science. 

Science as a subject lends itself to utilising a wide range of teaching techniques.  From practical experiments central to developing enquiring minds, brainstorming and discussing new ideas, role play, field work, modelling and student led teaching.

Use of ICT within the subject:

ICT plays an increasing role in our lives and we actively utilise data loggers, i-pads and laptops to increase engagement in this subject.  Many cross-curricular links are made; Measuring linking with Maths, Scientist and Scientific Discoveries with History and comprehension and poetry activities with English.