Hordle

Science Department

Young children exploring their world are naturally scientific.  The emphasis of science at Hordle Walhampton is on children using the processes and skills of science to find out about themselves and their environment.  We are also committed to enabling the children to fulfil their academic potential within the subject and are justifiably proud of our record of success in Common Entrance and Scholarship examinations.

Science teaching is well resourced throughout the school and these resources are constantly reviewed and renewed to enable staff to maintain the best quality teaching and learning in the subject.  The two purpose-built laboratories are fully equipped with benches with power and gas supplies, Bunsen burners, a range of glassware, measuring apparatus and other hardware.  The department also boasts a fume cupboard, 20 brand new microscopes, electronic data-logging equipment, interactive whiteboards with an electronic pupil response “voting” system, a clinostat, incubators, oscilloscopes and an electronic water bath.  In addition to this, we have the extensive school grounds with a variety of habitats and we are currently developing this further with a large dipping platform in the planning stages to be placed in a canal between two of our lakes.

The main approach used with Reception to Year Two is whole class teaching, very much “hands on” with observation, simple investigation, and recording using a variety of methods.  Safety is discussed in relation to experiments.

Approaches taken with Year Three children are designed to be motivating and exciting.  Activities are varied from week to week and sometimes within the lesson.  Again the work is practical and the children are often asked to find out things at home or complete tasks at home with their parents.

Years Four and Five are taught in the Biology / Junior Science lab allowing use of a wider range of equipment and methods.   This allows for more formal experiments to take place, along with giving the children experience of handling laboratory equipment.

Years Six to Eight are taught separate sciences by specialist teachers in the Biology / Junior Science and Chemistry / Physics labs.  In these lessons we continue the strong practical and experiential element of the teaching, while delivering the core skills and knowledge required for CE and Scholarships.  At this stage of school, the lessons are both challenging and exciting and the staff work very hard to ensure that everyone reaches their full potential while doing all they can to make the teaching inspiring and enjoyable for the children.