Science at Walkington Primary School

At Walkington Primary School in science we want our children to develop an enquiring mind and analytical thinking skills, through an interesting and relevant enquiry-based thematic science curriculum. Science changes our lives in many different ways and learning about scientific knowledge, methods, processes and uses provides the foundations for understanding the world in which we live.

We study a varied curriculum which is carefully planned to build on knowledge year by year and covers the three scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

At its core, we see our science curriculum as a vehicle for helping our children understand the world (and universe!) around them, and the impact they themselves can have upon that world.  It will foster a sense of curiosity and excitement about progress and possibilities, and help them appreciate and support the increasingly fragile and vital ecosystems that connect us to the rest of our natural world.  Their ability to understand the remote and abstract by carefully engaging with the practical will be of high value in many possible future career choices, and they will grow to regard scientific advancement as a most worthy and worthwhile human endeavour.

The 5 key blocks of pupil understanding that drive this ambition are: 

  1. Ethical collaboration across the global scientific community is likely to provide possible solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing humanity in the coming years
  2. Scientific ideas and breakthroughs are often the result of the planned refinement and development of current ideas, incorporating failure, trail and error and unexpected results – and hard work!
  3. Science has taught us a huge amount and helped us understand the world we see around us, however there is still a huge amount to be learnt and discovered – indeed, history suggests that we don’t really know what we don’t yet know
  4. Most scientific advancements are very small, incremental shifts built upon the study and deepening understanding of our existing knowledge, with the occasional ‘eureka’ moment providing a significant breakthrough
  5. Whatever our strengths and interests, having a broad general understanding of science is highly likely to enhance our experiences of, and contribution to, our time on planet Earth.

The school recognises that each pupil will be at a different point in terms of their understanding of these key blocks by the time they transition to KS3; to fully understand and interlock these concepts requires maturity and a broad range of experiences, however we are committed to providing a learning pathway which amplifies these key messages in an age appropriate and sensitive manner.  This intention also aligns closely with our aim of promoting the “Global Competencies” outlined by the OECD.

“In all key stages, pupils are now making good progress from their starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and
are clear about priorities and plans for improvement.”

Ofsted comments

“From the moment pupils enter the school each day, they are greeted with respect and a genuine sense of care from the adults in the building.”

Ofsted comments

“The passionate and effective leadership of senior leaders and the commitment of the staff have sustained the good quality of education at the school.”

Ofsted comments

“Older pupils develop a good understanding of what they read. Leaders promote a love of reading and pupils say the school provides them with high-quality texts.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers use their good subject knowledge to plan interesting tasks that engage
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Adults give pupils
opportunities to share ideas and challenge their own thinking and this helps them to articulate their opinions with confidence.”

Ofsted comments

“By the end of Year 6, outcomes are high in reading and writing. In reading, they are
particularly high.”

Ofsted comments

“Leaders are well trained and use their knowledge of special educational needs to identify specific requirements at an early stage and provide timely support.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors are ambitious for the school. They challenge and support leaders effectively.”

Ofsted comments

“The profile of sport has been raised and more pupils now compete in sporting
activities.”

Ofsted comments

“In mathematics lessons, resources are used well to enable pupils to visualise abstract ideas and to get a more secure understanding of number.”

Ofsted comments

“The broad curriculum provides a wide range of enriching experiences for pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff welcome the professional development they receive and say that this makes a real difference to the quality of their teaching.”

Ofsted comments

“Good teaching through early years and in key stage 1 ensures that the proportion of pupils passing the Year 1 phonics screening check is consistently above average.”

Ofsted comments

“The school is a calm, orderly and purposeful place for pupils to make the most of their learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers plan interesting activities that motivate the pupils. Staff ensure that all pupils are valued and included in learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff encourage pupils to be resilient and take risks. Pupils know it is all right to get things wrong and that this is part of the process of learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Exciting activities, such as visits to places of worship, generate high levels of
interest and curiosity about the themes that pupils are studying.”

Ofsted comments

“The teaching of reading is good. There is a consistent approach to the teaching of
phonics.”

Ofsted comments

“Parents and carers who offered their views to inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the experiences of their children.”

Ofsted comments

“The school’s welcoming and caring ethos is central to its work in raising standards for
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils listen to the opinions of others and are keen to offer their views considerately and respectfully.”

Ofsted comments

“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

Ofsted comments

“Learning in early years gets off to a good start. As a result of effective teaching and provision, children progress well from their starting points.”

Ofsted comments

“Improvements in the teaching of mathematics have helped to increase pupils’ progress and improve pupils’ ability to solve mathematical
problems.”

Ofsted comments

“The quality of teaching at Walkington Primary is underpinned by warm and caring
relationships between staff and pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils behave well and are polite, articulate and respectful.”

Ofsted comments

“Effective safeguarding procedures are in place. All staff have a clear understanding of how to keep pupils safe.”

Ofsted comments