How do we assess Science?
How do we assess the impact of our Science curriculum?
The successful approach to the teaching of science at St Margaret’s will result in a fun, engaging, high quality science education, that provides children with the foundations for an understanding of the world that they can take with them once they complete their primary education.
Assessment at St Margaret’s’ is teacher based and formed using both formal and informal strategies (Use of concept maps, verbal/written outcomes, reflection tasks/presentations).
Formative assessment is used as the main tool for assessing the impact of Science at St Margaret’s as it allows for misconceptions and gaps to be addressed more immediately rather than building on insecure scientific foundations.
Children at St Margaret’s will:
· demonstrate a love of science and an interest in further study and work in this subject.
· be able to question ideas and reflect on knowledge.
· be able to articulate their understanding of scientific concepts and reason scientifically using rich language linked to science.
· demonstrate a high level of mathematical skills through their work, organising, recording and interpreting results.
· work collaboratively and practically to investigate and experiment.
· achieve age-related expectations in Science at the end of their cohort year
We complete the programmes of study set out in the 2015 Science Curriculum published by the Department for Education. Full details can be found in a PDF document by following the link below.
Through linking the programmes of study to our Creative Curriculum, children are given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding whilst working scientifically; practical investigation work is a crucial part of the pupils learning. The principal focus of science teaching in lower key stage 2 is to enable pupils to broaden their scientific view of the world around them. The principal focus of science teaching in upper key stage 2 is to enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas.
Science is taught through Maths, DT, Computing, English, Geography and History as well as independently. We have also linked the curriculum to Eco-Schools and our international schools link to Mtumbira through Starfish Malawi.
Vocabulary is very important and there is an expectation that children will use subject specific vocabulary accurately. Key words for each topic are taught; we encourage pupils to work on these at home too.
