Science

‘It is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic tree – make sure you understand the

fundamental principles, i.e. the trunk and big branches, before you get into the leaves/details or there is nothing for them to hang on to.’

Elon Mus

At Shirley Heath, all children will become confident scientists, developing an excellent understanding of basic scientific principles and developing a love for Science. They will ask curious questions and use different practical scientific methods, processes and skills to investigate these.

Science at Shirley Heath implements the theory of ‘Spaced Retrieval Practice’, where subject content is delivered in a continuous cycle of review and consolidation. All staff have a ‘Science Progression Map’, which is used alongside planning in order to see where previously taught skills can be re-visited, practised and built-upon within other areas of Science. Teachers are encouraged to remind pupils of previously taught subject content and skills before embarking on the next, related topic.

Pupils are inspired by the work of male and female scientists from the past and by cutting-edge research and new discoveries. Wherever possible, teachers endeavour to share stories of inspirational scientists who have contributed to the subject content the pupils are covering. Classes discuss and share ideas about the future of Science and technology and how these ideas may shape their world, as they grow older.