Science

Science

The Science Curriculum at Hereward House School is designed to help children make sense of and explain the natural processes that take place in the world around them.

The aim is to enthuse young pupils and ignite a passion for the sciences that will build on their natural curiosity at EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) and extend into their Senior schools and beyond.

In the Junior and Middle Schools, the Sciences are taught as General Science, mainly in the form rooms. Practical skills are developed by learning through investigations and working scientifically, with particular emphasis placed on Measuring and Data collection.

The Juniors have an annual Science Week built into their curriculum which involves a series of trips off site and workshop activities on site, all with the aim of widening their science experiences.

From Y6 to Y8, (the Senior School) - the Sciences are taught as three separate subjects - Biology, Chemistry and Physics - in preparation for the Common Entrance and Scholarship exams. CE Pupils work towards the ISEB. The 13+ Common Entrance Examination is taken in the Summer Term of Year Eight. Pupils sitting Scholarship examinations receive extra lessons during Year 8.

All Senior School Science lessons are taught in the purpose built science laboratory, which was refurbished recently. Pupils build on the skills already learned and are encouraged to question, analyse and evaluate findings. Pupils are taught how to write up scientific investigations in the correct manner so that it becomes second nature by the time they move up into their senior schools.

Importance is placed on out of classroom learning. Trips are arranged to complement and expand on topics taught on the curriculum. Outside speakers come in to give talks on their specialist fields to give the boys a wider perspective. Previous trips have included visits to Hyde Park Lookout Centre, Holland Park Ecology Centre, Kew Gardens, the Science Museum and the Royal Institute.

Homework is set as appropriate to the age group and in accordance with the Homework Policy. This can take the form of follow up work from classroom based activities, written work, questions, independent research and project work.