Science - Primary

What is happening in Science ....

• supporting the role of the science subject leader in leading the school to raise standards in science
• supporting schools in establishing scientific enquiry
• reviewing council guidance relating to science long-term planning in the light of the revised National Curriculum
• facilitating the transition from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1
• supporting progression from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3
• supporting schools in extending the application of literacy and mathematical skills to pupils’ investigative work
• supporting schools in extending the use of ICT to enhance pupils’ investigative science
• promotion of effective strategies for teaching and learning of more able pupils
• promotion of effective strategies for improving creativity and independent learning as a means of enhancing motivation and self-esteem.

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Follow the links on this page to view more detail about any of the courses or meetings listed.

Primary Science Network Meetings
Subject network meetings will include:

• an update on national, local and regional developments in the subject
• professional development in a topical subject-related issue
• sharing of effective practice with colleagues from other schools.

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Autumn Term 2008

Can Key Stage 1 Children be Independent in Carrying Out Investigations?
This course will help teachers to identify investigation questions that better support children during independent work. Through practical workshops, teachers and their teaching assistants will gain expertise in identifying investigation questions that are supportive while promoting children's independence. The session will also consider how the most able children can be fully challenged through investigative science and how formative assessment and tracking can contribute to all children making maximum progress.

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Spring Term 2009

Formatively Assessing Pupils & Tracking Progress in Sc2¸ Sc3¸ Sc4 as Part of a Whole School Approach
This course will focus on assessing pupils in Sc2, Sc3, Sc4 and using the outcomes to inform the teaching of these attainment targets. The course will then consider how assessments over time can be used to track pupil progress in these attainment targets, for individual classes and throughout the school.

Using Effective Questioning to Differentiate Science Lessons at Key Stage 1
This course will focus on effective questioning as a tool for differentiating science lessons in Key Stage 1. Through practical workshops drawing on Key Stage 1 examples, the course will highlight the use of questioning to differentiate both investigative science and teaching about key scientific ideas.

How Much Should Key Stage 1 Children Record in Science?
This course will focus on the role of appropriate recordings in enhancing effective science learning and also in assessing children's understanding of science.

Using ICT to Support Pupils' Understanding of Earth in Space
This course will focus on ICT applications that effectively support and extend pupils' understanding of the ideas. It will include the use of ICT modelling and a review of the best websites to support this aspect of the science curriculum.