The Granville promotes the importance of Science as a vital component in helping our pupils explore the world around them. Designed to encourage their natural curiosity, it is presented in a practical relevant way, which enables the acquisition of a systematic approach to learning. Pupils enjoy specialist facilities (and specialist teaching in Years 3 to 6) in a well-equipped Science laboratory, and make use of the individual iPads and extensive grounds for fieldwork.
In the Early Years and Key Stage 1 the children study discrete topics rather than Science as a separate subject. While some topics such as ‘Space’ have obvious links to Science, all the topics offer the children opportunities to explore and engage with the world around them, making strong cross-curricular links and laying firm foundations to allow further exploration of Science as a separate subject in Key Stage 2.
In Key Stage 2 the children further develop their investigative skills by planning, predicting, measuring, data handling and evaluating. This practical approach is embedded within the curriculum, with contexts for investigations taken from all areas of the Key Stage 2 syllabus, including ‘Life and living processes’, ‘Materials and their properties’ and ‘Physical processes’.
There are ample opportunities for children to practise core Maths and English skills, and cross-curricular links are made; for instance, a study of evolution is linked to the life and times of Charles Darwin. The children also experience practical applications of Science as they are encouraged to think like engineers, coming up with their own inventions, and experiencing being an engineer by building structures.
The Granville has been awarded a Space Education Quality Mark (Bronze award) showing our dedication to using the topic of Space to inspire children across the entire school in a range of subjects and the high quality of linked lessons, clubs and contact with space professionals.
