Trust Projects

Using ‘REAL’ contexts to enhance primary science in Harrow

This project was allocated funding in the cluster category.

Local lesson observations indicate that children are given few opportunities to explore the relevance of what they are learning in science and that teachers have limited knowledge of the applications of the science they teach or of local resources which could be exploited to provide children with more ‘real’ science learning experiences.

Aims

1. To enhance teachers subject knowledge of
• setting science challenges in relevant and stimulating contexts
• some applications of science from a range of cultures
• local opportunities for learning science outside the classroom
• how science is used in the work place
2. To promote collaborative working across and within schools
3. To increase children’s motivation and interest in science and hence raise achievement for all
4. To develop resources and strategies which promote ‘REAL’ contexts for science learning and which are matched to learners’ interests
5. To promote collaboration with parents, local businesses, museums, environmental centres and other partners in delivering an enhanced primary science curriculum.
6. To invigorate teaching and learning and the curriculum in science by including references to contemporary science applications or issues, and to everyday or work related applications, including local examples and examples from different cultures.
 

Outcomes

• Pupils find science lessons more interesting and can explain the relevance of what they are learning to the real world
• Teachers feel more confident to relate science to the real world
• Curriculum plans link science to real world contexts from a range of cultures, careers , everyday examples and the local environment
• Resources available electronically
• Teachers’ learning journals illustrate how their practice in the classroom has changed as a result of participating in the project.

Teacher assessment shows children have high levels of achievement on APP focus 2.

Throughout the project teachers will be encouraged to complete a journal in which they document their learning and the project’s impact on teaching and learning for submission to the TLA for an award.

Evaluation

Children and teacher questionnaires to monitor attitudes at start and end of project
• Periodic assessment of children’s understanding of the applications and implications of science using APP Focus 2.
• Analysis of teachers’ learning journals
 

Additional

Outline dissemination plan:
• Two teachers from each school to disseminate in own institution
• Presentations by participating teachers at LA science subject leader termly meetings
• Resources available electronically on LGFL and Fronter
 

Contact

Jill Trevethan - Contact e-mail Jillian.trevethan@harrow.gov.uk