Science

Science at Cherry Grove

Children are naturally curious about how the world around us works, and how we fit into the wider universe. Science enables us to explore the physical and natural world by asking questions, and figuring out ways to answer those questions.

At Cherry Grove, Working Scientifically is at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that children learn best when they are able to investigate for themselves, with hands-on practical activities as a key component of their investigations. Children understand and learn concepts more readily when they have discovered them for themselves.

How we teach science at Cherry Grove

Aims of science teaching at Cherry Grove:

• Children develop an understanding of the processes and methods used in science by asking questions about the world around them, and by using different types of scientific enquiry to investigate those questions;
• ·Children develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the disciplines  of biology, chemistry and physics;
• ·Children understand the implications and uses of science in the wider world.

Children learn in mixed-ability groups within each class. They use a range of learning styles, including collaborative group tasks and practical work, structured discussions, and independent recording and reasoning. Children with additional needs are supported with a range of strategies, while our ‘low threshold, high ceiling’ ethos offers opportunities for children to work at greater depth.

Attainment and progress are assessed using Working Scientifically skills, while end-of-module activities provide opportunities for children to demonstrate their understanding of key scientific concepts. Children work scientifically when they explore and ask questions about a particular topic, develop practical investigations and activities, measure, draw conclusions, and begin to critically evaluate their evidence. At Cherry Grove, we encourage children to use opportunities in science to develop their writing and mathematical skills.

Science topics at Cherry Grove

We follow the National Curriculum for science. As we have mixed year groups throughout the school from years 1 to 6, our science curriculum is taught over a two-year cycle; as far as possible, this is linked to the topics covered in other subjects during that term. Some general topics are covered in each key stage; as the children revisit each topic, we encourage our children to ask increasingly sophisticated questions, design investigations with an increasing level of independence, and show a progressively deeper understanding of the concepts covered.

Key stage 1- year 1 and year 2 children

Lower key stage 2- year 3 and year 4 children

Upper key stage 2 - year 5 and year 6 children

Science in the wider world

At Cherry Grove, children are encouraged to take part in activities which inspire them as scientists. Opportunities at Cherry Grove include:

• Key stage 1 science club, following the nationally accredited CREST Star scheme; 
• Key stage 2 science club, following the nationally accredited CREST SuperStar scheme;
• Mad Science club, which is organised by an external provider;
• The  Polar Explorer programme, with inspirational visitors and hands-on practical investigations;
• Visits to Manchester Museum of Science and Industry;
• Visits to nature reserves which enable children to develop an understanding of the links between living things and their habitats;
• Chester Zoo visits and workshops;
• Safari park visits;
• Participation in national science events, such as BBC Live Science.