Science encourages the inquisitive minds of both boys and girls to question what is around them and seek answers to their questions and explanations for their theories. It is investigative, explorative and fun and wherever possible it is related to every day experiences. The emphasis is placed on practical work and field work to reinforce the theory. Children are encouraged to work independently and collaboratively. Although the syllabus is taught under the general heading of science it is comprised of Physics, Chemistry and Biology from years 3 to 8 with a selection of topics from the three sciences covered each year so that the children are fully prepared to undertake Common Entrance examinations in the three sciences or Scholarship examinations to the school of their choice.
The facilities include a well-resourced laboratory used by years 5-8 while years 3 and 4 are taught in their classrooms with additional resources from the laboratory as required. The school enjoys outstanding grounds for fieldwork including woodland, grassland, a pond and the river. In years 3 and 4, science may be incorporated into Forest School sessions while in years 5 to 8, science lessons may take the form of a Forest School Activity when it is meaningful to do so within the parameters of the curriculum.
The laboratory is equipped with a range of apparatus for practical work, an Interactive Whiteboard and the latest text books.
Year 5 and above are taught by specialist teachers including preparation for scholarships, while years 3 and 4 are taught by their class teachers with guidance from subject specialists.
The curriculum is further enhanced by related experiences outside the classroom, carefully planned visits beyond the school gates and visits from specialists in their fields. For example -
Year 3 enjoy growing their own potatoes as part of ‘Helping plants grow well’ and as part of the British Potato Council’s competition for Primary Schools.
Year 4 visit Pensthorpe Wildfowl Reserve as they study the diverse variation in birds.
Year 5’s work on ‘Electricity’ is put in context by a talk from EDF energy on safety.
Year 6 visit England’s only whisky distillery to reinforce their learning of distillation and anaerobic respiration and to promote their understanding of scientific principles in a commercial situation.
Years 7 and 8 benefit from insights into the world of Forensic Science and advanced chemistry (way beyond that which they can undertake themselves in terms of colour and noise!)
Children in years 3 to 6 also take part in the Primary Science Olympiad held at the University of East Anglia with year 6 also competing in ‘Top Class’ (an online ‘University Challenge’ style quiz). The Olympiad promotes problem solving, design concepts and practical skills as members of a small team. No adult input is permitted!
John Innes Centre (JIC) - Norwich BioScience Institutes (NBI) School Engagement
Taverham Hall School are fortunate in having established links with Dr Tristan Bunn (NBI’s Educational Outreach Department) who visits the school to undertake specialised work shops with our pupils – for example Microscopy workshop with Year 8. From time to time other scientists from the JIC may also visit to offer curriculum enrichment and our pupils may also visit the JIC.
Science Days for the whole school have also been introduced (from June 2010) and these may involve children working within their year group or in mixed age groups, e.g. Egg Day and Egg Landing Project Day.
From November 2010, Dr Laurence Boutemy from the JIC will be working as a professional scientist partner alongside our Head of Science as part of the Teacher- Scientist Network programme.