Principles and characteristics of the approach to the teaching of the science curriculum in St Colmcille’s BNS, Swords

The purpose and nature of science in the school

A science programme that aims to help children to work scientifically involves the development of a broad range of skills of enquiry, the cultivation of important attitudes and the acquisition of scientific knowledge and concepts about the biological and physical aspects of the world. The science programme is structured to that the children can experience all these elements.

Balance between theme teaching and a subject-centred approach

Thematic approach is more suited to the work of the infant and junior classes. As children grow older, a combination of methodologies will be utilised - theme-based, cross-curricular integration and subject-centred focus.

Exploration of the school and the locality

One of the most important aspects of the science curriculum and the wider SESE programme is the emphasis placed on the exploration of the local environment of the child and the school.  Exploration of the school will involve teachers becoming familiar with:

• The range of habitats in the area
• The features of the natural environment
• The materials from which the school is built
• The direction in which the school is facing.

A key resource in this process will be the map of the school and its environs which will be made available in a digital format during the school year 2003 /2004.

Textbooks and workcards

Science lessons should not be workcard or textbook based. Teachers will select activities from a variety of textbooks and workcards that will assist the children in undertaking open-ended tasks.

Safety in science activities

Safety should permeate all aspects of the teaching of science and the children are encouraged to observe safety procedures during all tasks.

A broad and balanced science curriculum

• The science programme for each class will include a broad range of topics from each of the strands.
• The programme will provide opportunities for the children to work scientifically
• There will be a balance between different aspects of the programme. Each year, the children will encounter topics from each strand unit. Over a two-year period, all strand units from each strand should be covered.
• The programme will help the children to unite science and technology.
• Give children opportunities to explore and investigate the environment
• Provide for continuity and progression

Assessment Policy

Assessment of the science curriculum should facilitate teachers in evaluating the suitability of the science programme. Assessment techniques will focus on knowledge objectives, understanding of scientific concepts, competence in the application of experimental and investigative skills and the cultivation of important attitudes. The following assessment methods will be used to obtain a broad and balanced picture of the child’s progress in science:

• Teacher observations
• Concept mapping
• Teacher-designed tasks
• Work samples and portfolios

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