Science
Every child, in their own way, begins life as an explorer, an investigator, a bundle of discovery and wonder. Science at Langdale nurtures this naturally inquisitive mindset and provides learners with opportunities to gawp in marvel and to ponder with curiosity. Children learn that science is all around them and that if they look to the ground or to the sky, there are things worth noticing, things worth questioning and things worth being interested in. Science is not only an integral part of all children's learning at Langdale CE Primary School, but also a truly fascinating path for them to walk down.
At Langdale, we understand that science is more than the national curriculum. We see science every day in our permaculture garden, the cooking of cakes and as the seasons change. Children are presented with an array of opportunities to explore and develop their scientific thinking. Asking questions is at the heart of our scientific ethos. Whether it be identifying mini-
beasts, or exploring the adaptation of our local livestock, children are immersed in the world of science through explicit teaching and our nature-rich setting.
The setting that the children at Langdale find themselves in provides a purposeful environment to explore, discover and investigate scientific areas. Our Learning Beyond the Classroom ethos is at the forefront of the teaching and learning of science. Teachers are encouraged to maximise the value of our setting and to think creatively when it comes to enriching the children's learning. Staff understand the value of experiential learning and the impact this has on the understanding and retention of children's learning. Alongside the subject matter, children also learn how to interact with the setting safely and this, in itself, enables them to further explore science as a class but also as individuals during break times.
From EYFS through to year 6, children receive purposeful increments of challenge throughout their learning journey. This not only develops their understanding of science but nurtures their love of learning also. As a result of our approach, children
are prepared to take the next step in their journey through the world of science and into the wider world.
Similarly to a storm, science cannot truly happen in a teacup and for that reason, we provide experiences and opportunities away from the classroom that enable children to see science beyond what can be explored on the school grounds. Why only explore the force and beauty of a river online when we can venture on a 3-day river walk to do just that? When studying the life cycle of a sheep, let's visit a local sheep farm during lambing season. Instead of exploring a picture of the solar system, let's head to an 8km art exhibition where the children can jog to Jupiter, swing by Saturn and dance around the Sun.
Science policy 2024
The Windermere Science Festival 2024 was a huge success for Langdale Primary School. The children, parents and staff of the school hosted a wide range of science and STEAM-based activities throughout the weekend (from bushcraft to Micro:bit trails) to promote their love of science and how we take science from a classroom subject into a real-world experience.
British Science Week began by exploring the role of Natural Disasters on the lives of dinosaurs. Linking history, geography and science together, the children designed dinosaurs they felt could withstand the impact of a natural disaster.
The twist? The children didn’t know which disaster would strike!
After much consideration for their dinosaur’s anatomy, the children took their models and placed them strategically, adding various defensive structures we have explored.
There were one or two worried faces when the disaster was named as a tsunami and yet those who designed water-dwelling dinosaurs let out a brief sigh of relief.
Their enthusiasm as the water cascaded was wonderful and the celebrations even more so. Great job, Maple children!
Maple ventured up Lingmoor Fell to identify different species of plants and evidence of animals. We were keen to embody the motto of "leave nothing behind" and so observed what they could see in nature. We documented this by taking photos and rubs of the specimens. From grand oaks to white bracket fungi, lots was to be seen! Although we didn't observe any mammals (beyond the abundance of sheep!), we were able to find lots of evidence of deer and horses from droppings and hoof impressions.