Science
At Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School, our Science provision stands out for its engaging and hands-on approach to learning. We aim to empower children with knowledge, scientific skills, and an understanding of the enquiry process, which is essential for thriving in an ever-evolving world. Our curriculum is designed to foster a love for Science that extends beyond the classroom, encouraging children to view the world through the lens of scientific enquiry and become lifelong learners. From a young age, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore the natural world through various interactive activities and experiments.
Our commitment to providing an exemplary Science education is evident in our superb Science Laboratory and the integration of outdoor learning opportunities, utilising Ravenscourt Park on our doorstep. These facilities allow children to engage in practical experiments, including using Bunsen Burners, bringing scientific concepts to life in a fun and memorable way. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, ensuring that children gain a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics.
We nurture the natural curiosity of our children through an enquiry-based learning approach. Our curriculum encourages children to navigate through the enquiry cycle. Most lessons begin with an enquiry question where the children then identify the type of enquiry needed to answer the question (observing overtime, comparative and fair testing, identifying and classifying, research, pattern-seeking). Once they identify the correct enquiry path, they collect their evidence, and following this, they answer the question and explain their findings. Through this approach to learning, the children develop their scientific skills and deepen their understanding of the scientific method, equipping them with the ability to find answers to their own curiosities beyond the classroom.
Enrichment activities, such as Science clubs, themed weeks, shows, and trips, further enhance the children’s learning experience. Each year group goes on at least one Science trip each year to places such as Kew Gardens, Hobbledown, the Science Museum, the Wetland Centre and the Natural History Museum. We also host two visiting science shows annually and have an annual Science Fair, providing additional opportunities for children to delve deeper into specific areas of interest and share their projects with the RPPS community. For older children applying for a STEAM Scholarship at their chosen secondary schools, we run a Booster Scholarship group to ensure they are prepared and can demonstrate their true potential throughout the process.
Recognising the importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in today’s world, we integrate STEAM tasks into our curriculum to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all year groups. In Year Six, children work in teams to complete a STEAM project, solving a chosen problem and presenting their ideas to a panel of judges. Additionally, our Science curriculum encourages children to make connections between other subjects including Mathematics, Geography, and Computing. This interdisciplinary approach helps children understand the real-world applications of their scientific knowledge.
Embracing the digital age, our Science curriculum provides opportunities for children to develop digital literacy skills and use technology for recording, research, and collaboration, promoting creativity and preparing them for the demands of a technology-driven future.
We are committed to developing environmentally conscious citizens. Our science curriculum emphasises sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the role of science in addressing global challenges. The children are encouraged to think critically about their impact on the planet and explore ways to contribute to a sustainable future. Each class has an Eco Warrior who meet termly to discuss and review ways in which we can continue progressing forward in this field. Some of the incentives involve our thorough recycling program, sustainable swap shops, litter picking in the local area, competitions and regular assemblies to raise awareness about global issues and how to have a positive impact on our Earth. We strive to expand our partnerships and shared environmental responsibility with local garden centres and environmental organisations in our local area, already working closely with W6 Centre and Veiola.
Science at RPPS nurtures inquisitive minds, develops critical thinking skills, and instils a lifelong passion for science in every child.
