Science is an exciting and dynamic subject and at Ralph Sadleir we aim to engage students through practical investigations, using new technology and up to date and relevant issues.
This underpins the development of pupils’ knowledge and understanding, through safe practice in a supportive environment. Our refurbished Science laboratory is very bright and modern, with a new IWB and promotes a very positive learning environment. The combination of experienced staff and current curriculum, sets a solid foundation for students going on to college and is reflected in their good GCSE results. The Science department is very well resourced in line with the new National Curriculum and is supported by two experienced laboratory technicians who prepare a plethora of resources to enrich the students’ science experience.
During Key Stage 2, pupils continue to develop their understanding of the world about them in a more scientific way, formulating ideas about their place within the universe and of mankind on their world. Scientific Enquiry continues to be a core component of the course offered at Ralph Sadleir and we take time throughout all of the Science modules to work in various forms of communication; paired work, group work and use ICT to permit students to develop their personal skills as scientists. Students get the opportunity to work in the laboratory once a week, which greatly helps to enhance their investigative skills and increase confidence when using different apparatus. They study 6 different topic in Year 5 including “Myself” and “Forces in Motion”. In Year 6 they have the opportunity to find out more about “Cells” and “Electricity”
At Key Stage 3, pupils build on their prior scientific knowledge and understanding and make connections between different areas of science. They use scientific ideas and models to explain phenomena and events and to understand a range of familiar applications of science. They think about the positive and negative effects of scientific and technological developments on the environment and start to find out more about scientific careers. Other people’s views are taken into account and pupils understand why opinions may differ. They carry out investigations, evaluating their own work and the work of others. They learn how scientists work together on present day scientific developments and about the importance of experimental evidence in supporting scientific ideas. Students have three hours of Science a week, and work in small groups according to their ability for one of the three lessons. Science is assessed via practical investigative skills and more formal summative tests using external questions after every 2 topics.
There are many cross –curricular activities and extra-curricular opportunities’. A key event is during British Science Week in March were every student has the opportunity to take part in a different activity, such as a day trip to a local employer (GSK) which enriches their experience and often consolidates work completed in school. In Key Stage 3, students find out about satellites and compete in teams to make their own satellite, using skills from Science, Technology and Maths. Added to this are a host of activities run during the week e.g. inter house quizzes, lunchtime competitions.
Science club is another popular favourite for children who want to develop ideas outside the confines of the curriculum. It meets once a week during lunch time. Students have the opportunity to do their own Crest Award projects and present these at the Big Bang Regional Fair to judges from different science disciplines. We have had many successes where students have won awards on work on sustainability and other areas of Science. We are very proud that one of our students’ projects has been put forward to the national finals this year, which is a very prestigious national event.
If you would like more information regarding our Science curriculum, please email: admin@ralphsadleir.herts.sch.uk
