Science at Mayflower

Through science we understand the world around us and we learn the processes and strategies of investigation and discovery. At Mayflower Primary School, science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about events in the world around them. Contextualising the children’s learning in science encourages them to understand and relate what they are learning to their real lives in order to give them a better understanding of the world.

Hands on scientific enquiry is at the heart of science learning at Mayflower. Through this, we provide engaging stimuli that promote the children’s curiosity and enthusiasm, ensuring it is inclusive to all. Pupils develop no only their scientific knowledge, but also their skills in working scientifically. We do this by ensuring our topics are taught through practical activities and involve learning in the local area. We allow the children to see themselves as scientists and give them opportunities to develop their own questions and to consider ways of finding out answers. Risk taking and exploration is part of our everyday science learning, allowing children to be independent and problem solvers.

Our science ambassadors are a group of children from across the school with a particular interest in science. They work with the science lead to raise the profile of science in the school and develop their own leadership skills. Each year, our science fair gives pupils the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for the subject with their peers and families. Our school gardener runs sessions with classes throughout the year. Activities include making linen from flax grown at the school, grinding wheat to bake bread and planting and harvesting vegetables. We also encourage families to experiment at home and share their findings through our ongoing ‘family science’ project.