Science

The aim of Science at Arbour Vale School is to develop pupils understanding of natural phenomena and the ever-changing technological world around them. We aim to provide science lessons that are engaging, stimulating, multi-sensory and differentiated to the needs of our pupils. Pupils are educated in a warm and welcoming environment where they are encouraged to recognise the power of rational explanation and to develop excitement and curiosity about the natural world.

Science aims

Give practical experience of how scientists make observations of the natural world

• Develop awareness of the conclusions of important scientific theories in a simple and accessible way
• Develop an appreciation of how science has contributed to the historical and cultural development of our society
• Give pupils enough evidence-based knowledge to be able to make informed personal judgements in order to lead healthy, safe, comfortable and environmentally sustainable lives
• Help pupils to understand the importance of evidence when making decisions and to be able to judge whether the claims of the media, advertisers, politicians and journalists are evidence-based and reliable.
• 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

For our pupils with profound and complex needs, the pupils follow a program that incorporates elements of the sensory curriculum such as body awareness, using programs such as Tac Pac. Resources for this curriculum have been drawn from the NI PMLD curriculum and the thematic units they offer.

EYFS

Pupils in the Early Years engage with a range of science related activities focusing on building foundation knowledge about the basic concepts. Although Science is not one of the seven areas of development in EYFS Statutory Framework, the pupils start building foundation knowledge and gaining skills through cross curricular activities.  For example: learning basic concept of forces in PE, processes in cooking, exploring materials and sounds in Art and Music.

Key Stage 1 and 2

The Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils follow the National Curriculum which is adapted to meet their needs. Science lessons are delivered in a cross-curricular way, integrating concepts within Art, PE, Cooking and Music. Weekly Science lessons allow pupils to develop an understanding of the world around them and practise their scientific enquiry skills.

Enrichment activities:

Whenever possible, opportunities are taken to provide curriculum enrichment for Science.  Previous examples of whole school days and events:

• ‘Dragons Den’ to learn about light and sounds
• Sensory Garden Project
• ‘Fashion Show’ from recycling materials
• ‘Planets Parade’ to learn about seasonal changes and planets in our Solar System.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 pupils follow the National Curriculum which is adapted to meet their needs. Activities include researching topics and sharing their findings with others as well as building working models and having the opportunity to perform some simple practical experiments to observe Science coming to life!

Key Stage 4

In Key Stage 4, most pupils are working towards their AQA Entry Level accreditation. For the children not working at Entry Level, we accredit their scientific learning through AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN Transitional Challenge and Personal Progress.