Children usually form a basic opinion about Science shortly after starting school. If this is a negative one engaging the child in Science as they grow older, will be increasingly difficult. Therefore, engaging young children with exciting material and experiments motivates them to lean and pursue Science throughout their education.
At Leweston Prep pupils are introduced to Science and scientific concepts from Reception. Initially through 'Understanding the World' in Early Years Foundation Stage and then as a distinct entity from Prep One. We follow the overarching themes of the national curriculum but with a heavier emphasis on learning through practice and experiments. The normal rhythm is one practical and one theory lesson per week, as all pupils do two hours of science each week. In Prep 6 children move into the Senior School laboratories and are taught by a subject specialist.
Science has a natural advantage. Children are naturally inquisitive about the world around them. They ask questions, and want to know how things work and why things happen. This curiosity drives them to explore and investigate and can be used nurture their enthusiasm for scientific discovery.
Science encourages communication and teamwork
Science is a subject which involves a lot of communication with others. Children need to talk and listen to others, and discussions help to expand their vocabulary.
Science supports literacy and numeracy
Inquiry skills involve children identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting, and reflecting on their investigations; processing, analysing, and interpreting evidence; and communicating their findings .As they are required to experiment and record their investigations they practice measurement skills in Maths and writing skills in Literacy.
Science teaches them social responsibility
Children also learn that Science is a human endeavour. They begin to understand the influence Science has on their world and in their daily lives. It teaches them about responsibility for the environment and the livings things within in.
Science is the perfect subject for supporting the Leweston Learner as it encourages all of the key Learner attributes: Inquisitive, Adventurous, Creative, Resilient and Confident. In Science children are allowed to take risks and understand that their thinking may not always be correct. They are encouraged to experiment and be creative in their thinking. This helps pupils see that learning is not just about remembering facts and being right, but it is also about hypothesising and trying things out. Through scientific experimentation children build their resilience skills as they learn to accept failure.
To find out more about the curriculum at Leweston contact Amanda Wilson at admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk