Ripon Cathedral Choir School

Philosophy of the subject

The importance of science. Science stimulates and excites pupils' curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies this curiosity with knowledge. Because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. Scientific method is about developing and evaluating explanations through experimental evidence and modelling. This is a spur to critical and creative thought. Through science, pupils understand how major scientific ideas contribute to technological change – impacting on industry, business and medicine and improving quality of life. Pupils recognise the cultural significance of science and trace its worldwide development. They learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.

Aims of teaching science

Science teaching should offer opportunities for all children to:

• develop knowledge and understanding of important scientific ideas, processes and skills and relate these to everyday experiences

• learn about ways of thinking and of finding out about and communicating ideas

• explore values and attitudes through science

The expected attainment for pupils at the end of key stage 2 is level 4 but many often attain level 5.

As pupils progress to study the 13+ Common Entrance syllabus the teaching of Science offers opportunities for pupils to:

• build on their scientific knowledge and understanding from key stage 2 and make connections between different areas of science

• use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events

• understand a range of familiar applications of science

• think about the advantages and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments and in other contexts, considering the reasons for different opinions

• carry out investigations of different types , on their own and in groups, making use of reference sources and evaluating their work

• communicate what they did and its significance

• learn how scientists work and the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas.

The expected attainment for pupils at the end of Year 8 is a good pass at the 13+ Common Entrance exam. A good percentage of pupils get the top grades of either A or B.

Objectives – how to achieve the aims

• pupils should be able to follow verbal and written instructions accurately

• pupils should follow prescriptive and open ended practical investigations and be encouraged to

make accurate observations and measurements
record systematically
estimate when appropriate
make effective use of laboratory apparatus
understand the need for use of experimental controls
design experiments to answer questions or investigate hypotheses

• lessons should be conducted in a secure, supportive and disciplined manner

• pupils should have regular homework that has a direct relationship with the course and a clear purpose

• tests will be given for independent assessment

• pupils should experience a wide variety of activities during a course of study and during a lesson where possible and appropriate.