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Science

The Science department at Town Close Preparatory School aims to provide a worthwhile educational experience for all pupils, through the exploration and study of science. This study is developed in experimental work and is delivered in ways that encourage pupils to think for themselves and understand concepts rather than simply memorise facts. Members of staff are free to develop their own style with regard to their teaching methods, provided that the aims and objectives listed below are incorporated.

The science department aims to enable pupils to:

• Become confident citizens in a technological world
• Recognise the usefulness and limitations of scientific methods in aspects of their lives
• Appreciate that applications of science may be beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment.
• Be suitably prepared to continue their study of the sciences where appropriate.

The science department aims to stimulate curiosity, enthusiasm and enjoyment of science, and to promote awareness of the social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations to which the study of science is subject.

Parent Links

Each year we hold a parental workshop designed to inform the parents about the aims and objectives of the Common Entrance Science syllabus. Exam preparation and teaching was discussed. The session finishes with an open forum where parents ask questions about the teaching of Science and assessment.

Organisation of the department

The science department consists of one purpose built teaching laboratory in which year 6,7 and 8 children work. The lab is fully equipped with modern experimental resources and contains an interactive whiteboard. Science is taught to years 3,4 and 5 in their classrooms with access to the laboratory when needed. The curriculum follows the QCA syllabus of work and includes much practical and experimental work. Years 7 and 8 follow the Common Entrance Syllabus to equip children to carry on their education at the school of their choice.

Activities and Events

Each year we organise science activities as part of Science / Maths week when all the children in the school carry out fun and stimulating science experiments, all the staff in the school lead activities such as bubble making, investigating floating and sinking in the swimming pool, fitness tests, shampoo investigations, aeroplane making, friction testing, bridge building and exploding camera cases.

This year we shall be including "Living Eggs" in the programme, a chance for the children to have the joy of seeing chickens hatch.

Throughout the year we have visits from local and national science companies such as Inspire Science, Zoolab and Quantum Theatre Science.