Science

SCIENCE AT ATHELSTAN

In our school, science provides opportunities for children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world in which they live both through practical experience and from other sources of information. We believe that children become better scientists through investigation, which stimulates and excites children to develop a love for the subject. The children are taught a wide range of scientific vocabulary and encouraged to explore their theories and predictions, recording them in a variety of ways. Each year we have a whole school Science Week based around a theme. Science week helps to raise the profile of science in school and allows the children to experience a range of exciting activities and mini projects. The teaching and learning of science is enhanced by educational visits using the local area as a resource or visitors to the school.

The aims of science in Athelstan are to:

• Prepare our children for life in an increasingly scientific and technological world.
• Foster concern about, and actively care for, our environment.
• Help develop and extend our children’s scientific concept of their world.
• Develop our children’s understanding of the international and collaborative nature of science.
• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of scientific enquiries that help our children answer scientific questions about the world around them.
• Equip children with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of , science for now and the future

Athelstan school is proud to have once again been awarded the Primary Science Gold Quality Mark ,this is the highest Primary Science Quality Mark achievable for its curriculum, provision and teaching of science. Mrs Barton took the lead in the reapplication and we must congratulate her and all the other staff who teach science in school. The feedback from the awarding council sums up the strength of the award.

The Primary Science Quality Mark ™ has the following aims:

• To raise the profile of science in primary schools
• To encourage primary schools to increase the range and quality of teaching   and learning in science
• To recognise, promote and spread good practice in science teaching and   learning
• To provide a framework for evaluating, planning and developing the quality   of science teaching and learning in primary schools
• To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

"This is a really, really exciting school with lots of great science experiences. It is up to date, forward thinking, addressing current issues and providing an education setting that I would be more than happy for my own children to experience, full of curiosity and with a strong questioning ethos. With all the community work you have going on, you have truly hit the Gold standard, I can see that you have plenty going on and wish you luck in the future.  Congratulations on your award."  PSQM National Director

SCIENCE SELFIES

You have already been busy photographing yourselves with science around you! Take a look at these photographs of Finlay enjoying science while on holiday and William and Isobel discovering science at home with a magnetic induction hob. We look forward to seeing more of your selfies!

SCIENCE AT HOME

Here are some useful websites for introducing science activities and discussion at home. Remember to take a photograph of any activities you complete and to upload them to Evidence Me. We love to see and hear about the science that the children complete at home.