Science – curriculum information
“Science lessons at Wheeler should inspire children to want to know more about the world they live in.”
At Wheeler, it is our intention to recognise the importance of Science in every aspect of daily life. We give the teaching and learning of Science the prominence it requires.
Science is all about sparking the children’s interest and nurturing their natural curiosity to find out more about the world in which they live. To ensure we promote inquisitive Scientists lessons at Wheeler are practical, engaging and are often enquiry based, allowing the pupils to draw their own conclusions.
The Science curriculum for KS1 and KS2 at Wheeler is based upon the National Curriculum and each year children build upon their current skill set and knowledge.
In Foundation Stage, Science is part of the ‘Understanding of the World’ area of learning in the EYFS framework and is a vital element of the continuous provision provided.
Working Scientifically
Science lessons are very practical and teachers encourage the children to use correct vocabulary, ask questions and work scientifically. This means that children are exposed to different equipment and types of inquiry to build upon their current scientific skills. Investigations are often instigated as a result of the children asking their own questions. The children are taught to make predictions, design experiments, analyse results and conclude on their findings.
Cross-curricular
Science provides opportunities to develop other areas of the curriculum such as: Literacy, Maths and Computing. Children will use their maths skills to analyse results from investigations. Literacy skills are used in many ways including: write up an explanation of a life cycle, biographies of famous scientists, conclusions or methods used in an investigation. Science has clear links to the topics that underpin the learning that occurs each term, allowing them to apply their scientific knowledge into a range of real-life context and scenarios.
PSQM School
In September 2019 Wheeler Primary achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark. PSQM is an award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of Science teaching and learning in primary schools.
Information for parents
The pastoral team works well together to ensure that pupils are safe.
There are
opportunities for pupils to attend different clubs and raise funds for charities
Classrooms are calm and purposeful places for pupils to learn.
Throughout my time at Wheeler, I have been given so many opportunities to experience and learn new things
The school has made recent changes to the teaching
of phonics to help pupils get off to the best start with their reading.
Leaders are passionate about preparing pupils to be good citizens for the world beyond Wheeler Primary School
Pupils report that bullying is rare, but if it happens, staff will sort it out quickly and fairly.
Pupils are excited about adding experiences to their ‘Bag for Life’.
The best thing is having someone to go to when you’re upset
Pupils enjoy coming to Wheeler Primary School every day.
Being at Wheeler is like being part of a family and that makes learning fun
The support that leaders provide for families is a strength of the school.
Everyone cares for each other and that every teacher adds a little bit of fun into every lesson
They want pupils to ‘Be Respectful, Responsible and Resilient in Learning and Life’
Leaders have designed and implemented an ambitious and well-planned curriculum.
The teachers are so supportive they help and guide you all the way through the year
Leaders and teachers have high expectations for every child.
Parents say that the school is ‘fantastic’ and that staff ‘greet the children come hail, rain or shine’ every morning as they arrive.
I think the best thing about being a Wheeler pupil is that all of the staff listen and care about you
Pupils are encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards themselves and others.
Pupils in key stage 2 talk confidently about a wide range of authors and texts they have read.
Pupils are proud to be part of the Wheeler family.
It is a safe and happy place to learn.
The leader’s vision for the school is demonstrated in the way pupils behave
The staff are really encouraging. They always help us to be the best we can be
Pupils take books home which contain the sounds that they are learning in class. This gives them plenty of practice.
Leaders give pupils the opportunity to complete well-planned and exciting
activities, such as performing in front of an audience, in order to create a ‘bag’ full of life experiences as they progress through the school. .