THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN
C.P. SCHOOL
SCIENCE POLICY
Aim:
Our
aim in teaching science is to develop in pupils an enjoyment in and growing
understanding of this subject. Pupils
will be encouraged to develop a scientific way of thinking. They will be helped to acquire scientific
skills and personal attitudes which lead to a scientific approach.
Objectives:
Our
objectives for the teaching of science are in line with those requirements made
at the beginning of the Science National Curriculum 2000 Programmes of Study
for Key Stages 1 & 2.
1. To develop pupils' skills of systematic
enquiry, exploring,
investigating, using first-hand experience, and
secondary sources including ICT to obtain information.
2. To develop pupils’ awareness of the
relevance of science to their
every day lives.
3. To develop pupils' understanding of the
nature of scientific ideas;
i.e. that scientific ideas are based
on evidence, that these ideas can
be tested against that evidence, and
that they provide explanations
for many phenomena.
4. To develop pupils' communication skills,
including the use of
scientific vocabulary, maths and ICT.
5. To encourage an appreciation of the need
for safety and care when
carrying out practical activities in
different environments.
Organisation of Science
Teaching:
The
organisation of science teaching within the school is generally class
based. Within the class, work is
carried out individually, in groups, or with the whole class.
Inclusion:
Effective
learning opportunities are provided for all pupils.
Appropriate
support is given to pupils with special needs, and suitable challenges are set
for those who are gifted or demonstrate particular talent.
Equal
opportunities are given and promoted among all pupils and in all aspects of science.
Resources:
Science
resources should be readily and safely available. Some equipment is stored centrally and some is in each
classroom. Pupils are taught to care
for and return all equipment when not in use.
Content:
The
content of our science teaching is prescribed by the Science National
Curriculum 2000 Programmes of Study.
These are grouped into 4 Attainment Targets, of which A.T. 1 is weighted
50% for KS1 and 40% for KS2.
A.T.1 Scientific enquiry
A.T.2 Life processes and living things
A.T.3 Materials and their properties
A.T.4 Physical processes
The
DfEE Science QCA documents have been used to construct our schemes of
work. (see Appendix).
Planning for Progression and
Differentiation:
The following model is adopted for the general
planning and teaching of a science topic.
This ensures that we start from where each pupil is in terms of
knowledge and understanding, and so provides for the matching of pupils' work
to their abilities and needs
Planning,
recording and assessment are an integral process. The Science schemes of work and teachers' medium term and weekly
plans detail the programme of study aspects and levels of attainment to be
covered in each topic (see appendix: Planning and Scheme of Work). Assessment opportunities are also indicated
and relevant records kept of outcomes.
The A.T.1 hint sheets are an important assessment tool (see appendix:
Guidelines for teaching progression and differentiation in in Science
A.T.1). At the end of each term
teachers complete each pupils' individual science record to show A.T.s covered
and levels achieved (see appendix: Record Sheet).
Health and Safety:
Science
can and should be fun. There are,
however, certain intrinsic dangers associated with science which must be taken
into account.
When
working with tools, equipment and materials, in practical activities and in
different environments, including those that are unfamiliar, pupils should be
taught:
a about hazards, risks and risk control
b to recognise hazards, assess consequent
risks and take steps to control the
risks to themselves and others
c to use information to assess the
immediate and cumulative risks
d to manage their environment to ensure
the health and safety of themselves
and others
e to explain the steps they take to
control risks.
The
following specific guidelines are followed to ensure that science is taught
safely.
Electricity
1.
Mains
supplies are not to be used plus pupils are to be warned about the dangers of
their use in the home.
2. Batteries (not rechargeable ones) are
to be used.
Heat
1. No burners are to be used.
2. Candles, cookers and microwaves may be used where
appropriate, but only by the teacher for demonstration purposes, or under
strict adult supervision.
Chemicals
1. No corrosive agents (acids and strong
alkalis) or poisonous chemicals are to
be used.
Micro-Organisms
1. Use only those which can be studied
naturally e.g. YEAST.
2. Never culture bacteria as there are too
many problems with hygiene
and disposal.
Plants
and Animals
1. Where possible, plants and animals should be studied in
their natural environments.
2.
Some
small mammals may be cared for and studied in the classroom e.g.
mouse, rat, golden hamster, mongolian gerbil.
3. Important health hazards to be aware of are infections
(especially those transmitted by animals), allergies, and poisons found in some
fungi and plants.
4. Cuts and wounds are especially dangerous in view of the
possibility of infection. All cuts
should be treated and covered. Bites
and scratches will need medical attention.
Cleanliness
1. Pupils should always wash their hands
before and after contact with
animals, plants, soils etc.
2. Equipment and food used should be of
the highest standard.
3. Equipment should be kept clean,
checked regularly and well maintained.