Science

Science

Science at Foxdell Infant School

At Foxdell, science is taught as a discrete subject in all year groups and is linked as closely as possible to the topic for the half term.

We believe science for young learners is an extension of their everyday world. Children do not need to be taught how to wonder, discover and explore through play because they do it naturally. Our job is to capture those moments and facilitate their learning by providing exciting resources and opportunities that has a lifelong impact on their scientific thinking. We believe that science should encourage the natural curiosity of children by providing opportunities for them to investigate and explore their environment and find out about the wider world. Science should lead children to become independent thinkers; questioning, researching, solving problems, finding practical solutions, reflecting on outcomes, evaluating evidence and considering the implications of findings.

We aim to:

Provide every pupil with a rich and varied range of scientific experiences,
Develop interest and enthusiasm for science,
Develop knowledge of scientific facts and understanding of concepts,
Develop the skills required to research, observe, classify, investigate, make measurements and comparisons, gather evidence and draw conclusions,
Encourage children to question, to think objectively, to plan logically, to reflect and evaluate, to use evidence to predict and conclude and to recognise implications,
Relate science to everyday life,
Develop effective recording and communication of scientific ideas, facts and data, using a variety of methods including ICT.

Staff and pupils at Foxdell collaborated to form the following Principles of Teaching Science for the school:

Principles of Science Teaching at Foxdell Infant School

We know that science is good when:

Enthusiastic children and staff are taking part in active, practical investigations that are fun.
Children are asking questions, suggesting ways to find answers, planning their own investigations and are fully involved in their learning.
Children have time to carry out the investigations they plan and opportunities to discuss and reflect upon what they discover.
Science is linked to real life and whenever possible to children’s interests.
Children use the outdoor environment regularly and go on visits to see science in the real world. They also have visitors in to share their knowledge, expertise and resources.
Sufficient, well-maintained, good quality, relevant resources are available.
Improvements in children’s skills and knowledge are evident.