Science at Wootton-by-Woodstock
The school’s Science principles focus on active learning wherein children participate in planning and experience a range of learning styles. These principles are followed by a practical, focussed approach with children trying and carrying out a range of investigations and experiments themselves.
Children learn using a variety of investigative strategies. They are encouraged to ask their own questions and find answers through experiments or observations. They learn from their own mistakes and discuss the misconceptions. Children acquire a balance of skills through scientific enquiry: research, fair tasting, observing over time, identifying and classifying and pattern seeking. They build those skills gradually from the beginning of YR throughout to Y6. Science has strong links with the wider curriculum, in particular Maths, English and Art, e.g. collecting and recording data, describing results of observation or research, observational drawings of plants, drawing or painting from secondary sources such as photographs. This puts learning into context which helps to further engage the children with different scientific topics and with working scientifically.
All year groups have an opportunity to learn outside the classroom through educational trips linked to science topics which includes weekly visits to Meadow School (Jubilee meadow in Wootton). Each year the school hosts a ‘Science Week’ during which the children have the chance to meet real scientists who share their knowledge in different areas of science, running workshops or talking about their work and careers. In addition, there’s a choice of a few science focused clubs throughout the course of the year.
In 2018 our school took part in PSQM (Primary Science Quality Mark) scheme and was awarded a silver mark for the overall provision in Science. The Primary Science Quality Awards have been awarded to 180 infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools to celebrate a commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning. So far, since its national launch in 2010, almost 2800 schools across the UK have achieved the award.
PSQM National Director said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Award is a significant achievement for a school. The profile and quality of science teaching and learning in each awarded school is very high. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure science understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”