Science

At Aldbury, our vision for Science is 

• to develop children’s understanding of the world through a variety of experiences that inspire them to ask questions, explore and take risks. 
• to develop children's scientific vocabulary and subject knowledge to support them with life beyond Aldbury School and their chosen career paths. 
• to encourage children to participate in hands-on practical activities, both in and out of school. 
• to utilise parents and resources in the local community to further develop the teaching and learning of Science. 

To support the teaching of Science knowledge and skills, we use the Herts for Learning assessment materials. Children are assessed in two areas: working scientifically skills and unit knowledge. We use working scientifically wheels and enquiry wheels to support the development of working scientifically skills, such as drawing conclusions, drawing tables and finding patterns. The key purpose of these materials is to support pupils in developing their general knowledge, curiosity and skills that can be taken into the wider world. Children in our school are passionate about the environment and, because of this, children have the opportunity to guide their own learning through a child-led environmental topic. 

With the voices of teachers, children, parents and governors, we created our key principles below that help to shape our science learning.

Our Principles 

Teachers

• We make sure that the children are confident and planning for and using the different types of enquiry.
• We make sure that the Science lessons are interesting.
• We make sure that your Science learning relates to real-life.
• We make sure that we plan a Science Week each year.
• We make sure that there are opportunities for outdoor learning in Science.
• We make sure that Science is accessible for all children.

Children

• We know and understand the key words related to our topics.
• We ask questions.
• We record our answers and ideas in different ways.
• We take part in discussions.
• We use our Maths and English skills in Science.
• We use skills we have learnt before to help us now

We feel that it is important for children to have opportunities to further develop their scientific knowledge and skills outside of the classroom and encourage this through sending home fun, interactive Science home-learning. See here for a help sheet for carrying out investigations at home: Science Home-learning Help Sheet.

Every year, we run a themed Science Week, where children have further opportunities to explore Science and experience awe and wonder. We participate in national STEM competitions, carry out whole-school investigations, have workshops and run a parent exhibition. 

Useful Websites

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What opportunities does my child have to access science learning outside of school hours?

• Science homework is sent home once a term for you to complete with your child. This will be found in the ‘Science homework’ section. You will have at least 2 weeks to complete this homework and during this time, no other homework is set. We try to make sure that the experiments we suggest are easy to replicate at home using materials you are most likely to already have in your cupboards.

How do I know what my child is learning about in Science?

• Each class has a yearly curriculum map that is on display in the classrooms and is available to download on each class’ page. This shows what your child will be learning about throughout the year, including Science topics.
• For every topic that your child’s class is covering (such as Ancient Egyptians), you will be sent home a curriculum booklet. In this curriculum booklet, Science topics are also outlined.
• You will have opportunities to look at your child’s Science books at the parent exhibitions at the end of Science Week and at parents evening.
• If at any point you are still unsure about what your child is learning in Science, please feel free to ask the class teacher.

Examples of learning