Science

A high-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all pupils should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Through building up a body of key foundational knowledge and substantial disciplinary methods and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave, and analyse causes. 

The pupils of Henley in Arden CofE Primary School live in an increasingly scientific and technological age where they need to acquire scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes to better prepare them for modern life. A scientist observes, questions, creates, hypotheses, experiments, records data, and then analyses that data, and by developing these skills the children of Henley will experience awe, wonder, curiosity, experimentation and problem solving. Additionally, our pupils are growing up in a world where there is a STEM skills shortfall, and we have a duty to prepare the next generation for jobs that are required to ensure our country and economy thrive. 

We believe that through the accumulation and application of knowledge and skill, children are equipped to experience, ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

• Develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them

• Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

Which Christian values underpin the curriculum content?

• Community – through learning about the eco-system of their local environment and the affect that humans have upon it.

• Courage – through having the courage to question what is happening, establish their own lines of enquiry and identify the usefulness of data.

• Joy – through understanding that Science is a subject about awe, wonder, curiosity and experimentation.

• Perseverance - through learning about fair testing and proving hypotheses based on reliable evidence, identifying when things go wrong, why, and what they need to do next.

• Thankfulness – through appreciating the work and discoveries of individuals that have made our world a better and safer place.

• Wisdom – through developing an understanding of the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.

How are British Values taught from Science?

• Individual liberty of own views, tolerance and mutual respect of others' views: taught through the topics where different views / ethics are involved, for example work on the theory of evolution.

• Developing an awareness of health & safety for themselves and others when working practically.

• The social skills around behaviour: ensuring collective responsibility for a safe and efficient working environment.

• Challenging each other’s behaviour or practices if they fall short of the collective expectations.