science at mile end. why science improvement? -city (and nation) wide priority -the uk has a...
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Science at Mile End
Why science improvement?
- City (and nation) wide priority
- The UK has a shortage of graduates in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.
- 830,000 graduate-level Stem experts and 450,000 technicians will be needed by 2020.
The jobs are out there!
What’s been going on?
• Engagement with Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)
• Exciting staff and pupils!
• New resources, quality CPD and “risk taking!”
PSQM
• National award scheme • Accreditation for teaching and learning of
science• Audit, set targets, modify practice, reflect and
evidence.
Everyone has been involved
Staff involvement in the initial science audit for PSQM was vital for a broad
understanding of where we were and where we needed to go in relation to science
Pupil voice played an important role when deciding our principles.
The children had lots of ideas about when good science was taught at Mile
End.
Creating planning documents for schemes of work and selecting
appropriate resources in conjunction with staff has ensured
a joined up approach to promoting and achieving our
principles.
Science development work is committed to the school improvement plan. All
principles and schemes of work to be reviewed annually.
Science Principles
At Mile End, good science occurs when:
Lessons are exciting and children enjoy talking about their learning
Children are working collaboratively to share ideas and thinking.
Children are investigating and enquiring.
The learning is “hands on”
Pupils have the opportunity to use a variety of equipment and materials.
Investigations and experiments are child led.
Staff and pupils are happy to “get it wrong” and talk about how they might do something differently next time.
Lessons take place outside.
Children are able to make real life links with their learning.
Science is valued in the school
Science activities, information and
principles are highly visible in school
Staff and pupils make effective use of displays to show others the science work they have been doing.
The school website is used to share our
love of science with parents and the
wider world!
We love using the awesome spaces and grounds in our school to enjoy science
activities and learning.
We value science so much that we invited our parents to come and see us
learning!
Science has been popular at a lunchtime
STEM club!
Staff receive quality training
Staff enjoyed a Kitchen Chemistry workshop with Satrosphere staff who came to school. Staff stated that they
had enjoyed the session and have subsequently used what they learned in
class.
Science Champion training at Satrosphere gave staff the skills to run the programme successfully in school. The programme has had a big impact
on our P1 and P7 children
Continually updated, the “Science @ Mile End” pages on Glow are a hub for lesson ideas, research articles, weblinks,
resources, latest news and professional dialogue. A source of independent CPD, staff have used the pages and commented
that “There is always something there to help”
“Lunchtime Bytes” have enabled me to share CPD training on topics such as
concept cartoons, new resources, scientific enquiry and concept mapping
whilst everyone has their lunch!
Excellent resources
Clear organisation of resources in our “science cupboard” has ensured
that all staff have full access. The cupboard is visited regularly by the science co-ordinator and a group of pupils to assess the status of what
we have.
Free resource packs from the British Science Association have been used extensively throughout the school with all classes using them during
Science Week.
Class pets have provided hands on
experience!
Free and home made resources such
as rock kits, investigation materials
and plants have had a big impact
from nursery to P7
Pupils regularly use ICT to enhance and support their learning.
They have experience with many forms of technology, from
microscopes and robots to log boxes, iPads, Net books and PCs.
The use of ICT has supported cross curricular links too.
Improved assessment
Concept mapping has been used by
some members of staff to generate
specific success criteria in science
lesson. The science subject leader
has offered CPD training on this and
will roll out its use next academic
year.
Staff use an appropriate balance of product and process evidence in order to facilitate manageable
assessment.
Staff are encouraged to make use of photographic evidence. A
child’s explanation of how he reduced friction using paperclip
axle mounts is successfully recorded.
The assessment section of our science policy is based upon the
latest advice from Education Scotland.
Children leading the learning
The science fair gives enables children to pursue their curiosity whilst developing their
enquiry, research and observation skills.Attendance at the city wide event promotes involvement and interest
The science champions scheme
has engaged P7 and P1 pupils in
many new and interesting ways.
The children take ownership of
their learning and lead others to
ensure breadth, depth and
progression of science skills.
Enjoyment!Recent, pupil led, school improvement assemblies have shown that science is one of the children’s favourite subjects
“Science Week was awesome! We got to do loads of fun
experiments!” P3 Pupil
“I love all of the new resources we get to use!” Rowan P5
“The looks on the infants’ faces
when you teach them science
makes me smile” Euan P7
I enjoyed being able to test out
experiments and then teach
them to others” Fraser P7
“I can’t wait to do more science
when I get higher up the school”
P1 pupil
“The science fair was ace because I got to come up with my own investigation and find
out more about my interests” Lya P6
Community!
Our S6 Ambassador has been a fantastic support to both staff and pupils as we have tried new ideas and activities in
science. Esther is off to Cambridge Uni with an excellent reference!
The school has developed
strong links with Satrosphere
Science Centre. P7’s learning
how to teach science to younger children.
Our Engineering Day
strengthened our links with
scientists and engineers from the
oil industry. Our pupils now have
a better understanding of science
in action. Scientific researchers from the Hutton Institute helping pupils to gather
forensic evidence!
We enjoy a great relationship with
Generation Science who support us to deliver awesome workshops.
Links with the university have
been developed through our
science fair and through the
school of education.
We have links with oil companies and make use of their expertise to enhance learning.
E.g P5 chromatography
workshop.
We enjoy working with the Grammar school to share resources and ideas. Collaboratively developed transition
projects will help our P7s as they progress to secondary..
Where next?
• Gold level PSQM
• Increase community interaction
• Challenge and enthuse our children!
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